The Presidency has rejected claims that the proposed tax reform bills will harm northern Nigeria, benefiting only Lagos and Rivers states.
In a statement on December 2, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga explained that the reforms are designed to enhance the quality of life for all Nigerians, particularly the disadvantaged, and streamline tax administration to create a better business environment.
The statement followed concerns from Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, who argued that the proposed Value Added Tax (VAT) sharing model would primarily benefit Lagos and Rivers. Zulum made these comments during an appearance on Channels TV over the weekend.
Onanuga dismissed these concerns as unfounded and rooted in misinformation. “The tax reform bills will not make Lagos or Rivers richer nor impoverish other regions,” he stated, urging Nigerians to reject efforts to divide the country over the bills.
He also clarified that the bills do not seek to abolish agencies such as the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), or the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). These agencies will continue to operate and receive funding through the national budget.
Onanuga emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s tax and fiscal policy reforms are focused on simplifying tax collection, easing the burden on businesses, and fostering national development.
Meanwhile, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, urged northern leaders to approach the tax reform bills with pragmatism rather than ethnic or religious sentiments. Speaking at a Channels TV town hall in Abuja on Monday, Dogara stressed the importance of leadership that prioritizes the region’s future over biases.
“Northern leaders should prioritize leadership over ethnicity and religion and face the reality the bills will bring,” Dogara said. He also criticized senators who claimed there was inadequate consultation on the bills, questioning their own lawmaking practices. “How many people do they consult when making laws?” he asked, dismissing the idea that the bills’ popularity should outweigh their impact.
