Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has raised serious concerns about the proposed tax reform bills, warning that their implementation could have dire economic consequences for Northern Nigeria and other regions across the country.
Speaking to BBC Hausa in an interview on Friday, Zulum expressed dissatisfaction with the rapid legislative process surrounding the tax bills. He compared their expedited consideration to the Petroleum Industry Bill, which took nearly two decades to pass through rigorous legislative scrutiny.
“Why the rush? The Petroleum Industry Bill took almost 20 years before it was finally passed. But 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,” Zulum remarked.
The governor emphasized that the proposed reforms would disproportionately impact certain regions, including the North, South East, and parts of the South West. He suggested that the bills would hinder economic progress, making it difficult for states to fund development projects or even meet basic obligations like salary payments.
“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,” he cautioned.
Zulum urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review the proposed reforms, noting that Northern Nigeria played a crucial role in the president’s electoral victory. “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,” he said.
The governor stressed that opposition to the bills should not be mistaken for opposition to Tinubu’s administration, highlighting that even lawmakers from some southern states, including Lagos, are against the reforms.
The Senate recently passed the tax reform bills for a second reading, referring them to the Committee on Finance for further review within six weeks. The proposed laws include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.
