Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has raised concerns about President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills, stating that only Lagos and Rivers States would benefit if they are passed into law. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Zulum explained that calculations and research by northern governors revealed significant disadvantages for their region under the proposed framework.
The governor urged the Federal Government to pause the bills, which include the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024, and three others, to allow for thorough consultation. “Why are we in a rush?” Zulum questioned.
“Based on our research, these reforms would unfairly benefit Lagos and Rivers, while leaving other states, especially in the North, at a loss.”
Highlighting the urgency of their concerns, Zulum said, “We advised the government to revise clauses harmful to northern Nigeria. Without these adjustments, only Lagos will emerge a major winner, leaving others shortchanged.”
The Senate, however, moved the reforms forward with a second reading on November 28, heightening tensions among governors from other regions.
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Northern Governors Oppose Tax Reforms, Cite Unfair Benefit to Lagos and Rivers – Zulum*
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has raised concerns about President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills, stating that only Lagos and Rivers States would benefit if they are passed into law. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Zulum explained that calculations and research by northern governors revealed significant disadvantages for their region under the proposed framework.
The governor urged the Federal Government to pause the bills, which include the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024, and three others, to allow for thorough consultation. “Why are we in a rush?” Zulum questioned. “Based on our research, these reforms would unfairly benefit Lagos and Rivers, while leaving other states, especially in the North, at a loss.”
Highlighting the urgency of their concerns, Zulum said, “We advised the government to revise clauses harmful to northern Nigeria. Without these adjustments, only Lagos will emerge a major winner, leaving others shortchanged.” The Senate, however, moved the reforms forward with a second reading on November 28, heightening tensions among governors from other regions.
Northern Support Misinterpreted
Zulum also dismissed claims that northern leaders are opposing Tinubu’s government, clarifying their stance. “I am a committed member of the APC and have supported Tinubu’s vision since 2019,” he stated. “In fact, 60.2% of his votes in the 2023 election came from the North.”
He expressed frustration over what he called “misleading narratives” portraying the North as antagonistic. “Our request for more consultation on the tax reforms aligns with democratic principles,” Zulum argued. “We are only asking for fairness and time to fully understand the implications of these laws.”
The proposed reforms, part of Tinubu’s broader economic agenda, are designed to enhance federal revenue collection and streamline tax administration. However, critics like Zulum believe the rushed timeline risks deepening regional inequality in a country where disparities already run deep.
