Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South in the National Assembly, has stated that while the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) recommendations on the controversial tax reform bills are a positive step, they are not enough.
Ndume believes there are still unresolved issues within the bills that require further clarification. The tax reform bills, currently under consideration by the National Assembly, have faced widespread criticism, particularly in northern Nigeria.
Many critics argue that the proposed legislation appears to disadvantage the region and have labeled it as an “anti-north agenda” under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking to the BBC Hausa service, Senator Ndume voiced his concerns about the potential impact of the tax reforms, particularly on the poor.
He argued that instead of providing relief, the measures outlined in the bills would place additional burdens on vulnerable Nigerians. In light of these concerns, Ndume urged President Tinubu to reconsider the bills entirely.
Ndume said, “What the governors did is a welcome development, but it is not enough because we still do not have comprehensive understanding of the bills.”
“There is a need for transparency. The process should not be rushed as this would lead to making mistakes.
“The door for correcting the mistakes has been opened now, unlike before when it was closed and the bills left as they were. The work is now with the legislators and the general public,” he added.
