Northern Nigeria governors reject Tinubu’s tax reform bill

Northern Governors have rejected the recent tax reform bill that was sent to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government.

The governors disclosed this in a communiqué on Monday by the Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, Muhammadu Inuwa, the governor of Gombe State.

This comes as Tinubu, on October 3, 2024, had forwarded a tax reform bill to the Senate and House of Representatives for approval.

Part of the bill provides reforms in the sector, including changing the name of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS).

The governors are opposed to the bill, especially the proposed amendment to the distribution of value-added tax (VAT) to a derivative-based model.

They called on the National Assembly to reject the bill.

“The Forum noted with dismay the content of the recent Tax Reform Bill that was forwarded to the National Assembly.

“The contents of the Blare against the interests of the north and other sub-nationals, especially the proposed amendment to the distribution of value-added tax (VAT) to a derivation-based model.

“This is because companies remit VAT using the location of their headquarters and tax office and not where the services and goods are consumed.

“In view of the foregoing, the Forum unanimously rejects the proposed tax amendments and calls on members of the National Assembly to oppose any bill that can jeopardise the well-being of our people.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Northern Governor’s Forum is not averse to any policies or programmes that will ensure the growth and development of the country.

“However, the Forum calls for equity and fairness in the implementation of all national policies and programmes so as to ensure that no geopolitical zone is short-changed or marginalized,” they stated.

Meanwhile, the Forum called on Nigerians to remain calm amid economic hardship bedevilling the country.