GOV. ZULUM WARNS PROPOSED TAX REFORM BILLS COULD HARM NORTHERN ECONOMY. (PHOTO).

 Zulum Warns Proposed Tax Reform Bills Could Harm Northern Economy

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has raised strong concerns over the proposed tax reform bills, warning that they could severely impact the Northern region and other parts of the country.

In an interview with BBC Hausa on Friday, Zulum criticized the rapid pace at which the bills are moving through the legislative process, comparing it to the Petroleum Industry Bill, which took nearly two decades to pass. He questioned the urgency, saying, "Why the rush? The Petroleum Industry Bill took almost 20 years to pass, but this tax reform bill is being fast-tracked within a week. It should be handled carefully so that even after we are gone, our children can benefit from it."

The governor argued that the bill is designed in a way that would disadvantage certain regions of Nigeria. He added, "We condemn these bills sent to the National Assembly. They will set the North back, and affect the South East, South West, and states like Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo."

Zulum also claimed that some individuals may be influencing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into thinking the North does not support his administration. "This is not opposition. This bill will destroy the North. We urge President Tinubu to reconsider. He won 60% of his votes from the North, and he should not listen to those telling him otherwise. What we need is the withdrawal of these tax bills."

The governor warned that passing the bill would hinder Northern states’ ability to fund development projects and even meet payroll obligations. "If these bills pass, we won’t even be able to pay salaries, and if we do, it won’t be sustainable the next year," he cautioned.

Zulum emphasized that their opposition to the bill is not an opposition to the administration itself, stating, "This is our position, and it doesn’t mean we are against the government. We supported and voted for President Tinubu, but these bills will not benefit us."

The Senate recently passed the tax reform bills for a second reading, and they have now been referred to the Committee on Finance for further review within six weeks. The 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 all aim to reform the country’s tax system.