By Bayero Ade
Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), former Deputy Senate Leader, has strongly criticized the proposed tax reform bills, calling them unfair and excessively favorable to certain states, particularly Lagos.
In an interview with Sunday Vanguard, Ningi accused the federal government of pursuing policies that undermine national inclusivity and warned President Bola Tinubu against using citizens’ silence or fear to enforce unpopular decisions.
Ningi argued that the proposed tax reforms favor Lagos and two other states, leaving the rest of the country at a disadvantage. He urged lawmakers to reject the bills, emphasizing that they lack inclusivity and fail to address the concerns of the National Economic Council (NEC), which had previously opposed them.
Drawing a comparison to the controversial Third Term agenda under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Ningi noted that, despite some positive elements, it was ultimately abandoned due to its overarching agenda. He believes the same fate should await the current tax reforms.
The senator identified two main objections to the bills: their discriminatory nature and the disregard for the collective opinion of the NEC, which includes the Vice President and elected governors. He expressed disbelief that the President would persist with the reforms despite opposition from such a significant body.
While acknowledging that the bills contained some beneficial elements, Ningi stressed that the controversy surrounding their implementation overshadowed any potential benefits. He called on lawmakers to unite against policies that, in his view, could lead to greater inequality.
Ningi further illustrated the issue by using the example of VAT collection, which he argued disproportionately benefits Lagos. He described how raw maize purchased in Kaduna is processed into Semovita in Lagos, with the VAT from its sale being returned to Lagos rather than to the state where the raw material originated. He believes this reflects the unfairness in the current system.
The senator also criticized the broader revenue distribution framework, pointing out how funds from nationwide consumption often flow back to Lagos-based multinationals, further exacerbating the imbalance. He suggested that Nigeria’s fiscal policies need to be restructured to ensure fairness and prevent the exploitation of Nigerians’ silence.
In conclusion, Ningi urged lawmakers to reject the bills, warning that their passage would have long-lasting negative consequences for the nation’s equity and patriotism. He called for a unified stand against policies that, in his view, compromise fairness.
Leave a Reply