The executive Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, has expressed significant apprehension regarding the proposed tax reform bill, cautioning that it may lead to severe repercussions for the Northern region and other areas of the nation.
In a recent interview with BBC Hausa on Friday, Zulum criticized the rapid advancement of the bill through the legislative process, likening it to the Petroleum Industry Bill, which took almost twenty years to be enacted.
The governor emphasized that the passage of this bill would hinder Northern states’ ability to execute developmental initiatives, including the disbursement of salaries.
He further contended that the bill appears to be designed in a manner that disadvantages specific regions of the country.
Additionally, Zulum suggested that certain individuals may be swaying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into the belief that the Northern region does not support his administration.
“Why the rush? The Petroleum Industry Bill took almost 20 years before it was finally passed. However, this tax reform bill is being transmitted and receiving legislative attention within a week. It should be treated carefully and with caution so that even after our exit, our children will reap its benefits.
“We condemn these bills sent to the National Assembly. They will drag the North backwards and also affect the South East, South West, and some South-Western states like Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo,” he added.
The Borno State Governor added: “This is not opposition. Based on our understanding, this bill will destroy the North entirely. We call on President Tinubu to review this decision. He secured 60% of his votes from the North. He should not listen to those telling him the North is not supporting him. What we need is the withdrawal of these tax bills.
“If these bills pass, we won’t even be able to pay salaries. And if we do, it won’t be sustainable the following year.
“We are against it, and even Lagos State is against it. If this bill is dragging regions backwards, why won’t they rescind it? Our National Assembly members, including some from the South, are not in support of it.”
Speaking on behalf of the North East, the governor clarified that their opposition to the bill does not amount to opposition to the administration.
“This is our position, and it doesn’t mean we are against the government. We supported and voted for President Tinubu. But these bills will not be beneficial to us,” he noted.
Recall that the Senate had approved the tax reform bills for a second reading on Thursday after a discussion among legislators during the week.
Following this, the bill was forwarded to the Committee on Finance, which has been tasked with providing feedback within a period not exceeding six weeks.
The four tax bills presented to the National Assembly include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, aimed at establishing the fiscal framework for taxation in the nation, and the Tax Administration Bill, designed to create a legal structure for all taxes and minimize disputes.
Additionally, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill will revoke the Federal Inland Revenue Service Act and establish the Nigeria Revenue Service, while the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill will set up a tax tribunal and appoint a tax ombudsman.
