Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has expressed strong opposition to the proposed tax reform bills, warning that their implementation could jeopardize the ability of many states to pay salaries and lead to widespread economic setbacks, particularly in the northern region.
In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Governor Zulum criticized the bills, transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in September, arguing that their effects would negatively impact not only the North but also parts of the South, including states in the South East and South West.
“These bills, if passed, will drag the North backward. Not only the North, but the South East, South West, and some states like Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo will also face challenges. If they scale through, we will not be able to pay salaries, and even if we manage to, it will not be sustainable the following year,” Zulum said.
The tax reform bills, designed to overhaul Nigeria’s taxation system, have met with significant resistance, particularly from northern stakeholders. Governors, traditional rulers, and the Northern Elders Forum have rejected the proposals, citing their potential to exacerbate poverty and worsen security challenges.
Despite this opposition, the Senate passed the bills for a second reading on Thursday, amidst rowdy deliberations during the plenary session.
Governor Zulum criticized the speed with which the bills have progressed, contrasting it with the Petroleum Industry Bill, which took almost two decades to pass. “Why the rush? Let these bills be treated with caution so that, even after our time, our children can benefit,” he stated.
Zulum also called on President Tinubu to reconsider the reforms, emphasizing the North’s contribution to his electoral victory. “The President secured 60% of his votes in the North. He should not listen to those suggesting northerners are not supporting him. What we need now is the withdrawal of these tax bills.”
When asked whether the bills would worsen hunger and poverty in the North, Zulum responded affirmatively, adding that they would also aggravate security challenges. “Even Lagos is against it because it will drag it backward. If this is the case, why not rescind it? Our lawmakers and even some Southern representatives are not in support of these bills.”
The governor clarified that his stance was not an act of opposition to the federal government but a patriotic call for careful reconsideration. “This is not opposition. We supported and voted for the President. But these bills will harm us. We are simply appealing for a review of the decision,” he noted.
Addressing rumors that legislators might be influenced by lobbying or inducements, Zulum called for patriotism. “There are rumors, but nothing is certain. However, we are in Nigeria, and anything is possible.
Let us all act patriotically, as we have children and relatives in rural areas. We should avoid endorsing anything that will impede the progress of the North or other regions.”
