Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has voiced strong opposition to the proposed tax reform bills, warning they could have severe consequences, including the inability to sustain salary payments in the future.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Governor Zulum expressed concerns over the rapid progression of the bills through the legislative process.
The bills, introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in September, have faced resistance, particularly from stakeholders in the north, who argue they do not align with the region’s best interests.
“We condemn these bills transmitted to the National Assembly. They will drag the north backward, and not only the north, South East, South West and some states in the South West such as Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, will have problem with these bills,” Zulum warned.
He questioned the urgency with which the bills were being pushed, comparing them to the Petroleum Industry Bill, which took nearly 20 years to pass.
“Why all the rush! There’s a petroleum bill that was presented but it took almost 20 years before it was finally passed. But this one was transmitted and now receiving legislative attention within a week. What we are saying is that, let it be treated carefully and with caution so that even after our exit, our children would reap the benefits,” he said.
Zulum highlighted that the reforms could worsen poverty and insecurity in the north, further straining already vulnerable communities.
“How we see it is, if these bills scale through, we will not be able to even pay salaries. And if we paid, it won’t be sustainable the following year,” he said, stressing the potential long-term impacts.
He called on President Tinubu to review the proposed reforms, reminding him of the strong support he received from the northern electorate.
“This is our stand and doesn’t mean that we are against the government. We supported and voted for him (President Tinubu). But these bills will not mean good for us,” Zulum urged.
Despite his criticism, Zulum clarified that his stance was not an attack on the administration but a plea to reconsider policies he believes could harm the nation.
News Central reported that on Thursday, November 29, the Senate moved the tax reform bills to a second reading after a lively debate.
The bills were then sent to the Finance Committee, which is tasked with reporting back in six weeks.
The four bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, which together aim to improve Nigeria’s tax system and reduce disputes.
