The Nigerian House of Representatives has indefinitely suspended deliberations on the proposed tax reform bills. This decision comes in the wake of mounting resistance from governors of the 19 northern states and 73 lawmakers from the region.
The Clerk of the House, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, issued a memo on November 30, 2024, notifying members of the rescheduling of the special session initially planned for December 3. The memo stated that broader consultations with key stakeholders were necessary before moving forward. “A new date and venue for the session will be communicated in due course,” it read.
The tax reforms, introduced by President Bola Tinubu, aim to overhaul Nigeria’s fiscal framework. These include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.
While proponents argue these bills will improve transparency and boost revenue, northern leaders see them as potentially harmful to their region’s economic stability.
During a closed-door session, lawmakers from the North-East strongly opposed the bills. One legislator remarked, “North-East, even before the insurgency, was the poorest region in Nigeria. Today, our people are in IDP camps, struggling to survive.”
Northern governors, led by Babagana Zulum of Borno State, have voiced concerns over the speed of the reform process. “The Petroleum Industry Bill took almost 20 years to pass. Why rush this? These bills need careful evaluation to ensure they benefit all Nigerians,” Zulum stated in a BBC interview. He further warned that the proposed reforms could disproportionately favor Lagos State while deepening economic divides elsewhere.
Similarly, lawmakers from Kano State announced their unanimous rejection of the bills. “We are committed to ensuring these bills are withdrawn in the interest of our constituents,” said Idris Dankawu, a federal representative.
Opposition is not limited to the North. The National Economic Council, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, previously recommended halting the reforms for further consultations. Southern leaders, such as Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, also echoed calls for greater stakeholder involvement.
Despite resistance, some All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers are lobbying for support. “These reforms aim to reduce the burden on ordinary Nigerians and small businesses,” said Philip Agbese, an APC representative.
National debate continues over the bills’ potential impact. The pan-Yoruba group Afenifere has expressed support, citing the reforms’ economic benefits. Meanwhile, critics like Senator Aminu Tambuwal argue that now is not the right time, given the financial hardships Nigerians face.
