Tinubu seeks Northern elders’ support as resistance to tax reform bills grows

By: Bayero Ade

President Bola Tinubu has stepped up efforts to gain the backing of northern elites for his administration’s proposed tax reform bills, as opposition to the policies continues to grow in the region.

According to Politics Nigeria, Presidential sources revealed to PUNCH that Tinubu is engaging northern leaders through direct consultations and behind-the-scenes negotiations to address their concerns and foster consensus on the reforms.

The bills, which include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024 and the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, aim to revamp the country’s tax system. However, they have met strong resistance from the Northern Governors Forum, particularly over plans to adopt a derivation-based Value Added Tax (VAT) sharing formula. The governors argue that the changes would economically disadvantage northern states.

Defending the proposals during a media chat in December, Tinubu described the reforms as essential to Nigeria’s economic transformation.

“Tax reform is here to stay. We cannot retool this economy with old, broken tools,” Tinubu said, calling on Nigerians to support the changes for the nation’s future.

Despite his appeal, northern governors remain adamant in their opposition. Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed described the proposals as “anti-northern,” warning of their potential negative impacts on the region. Similarly, Kano State Deputy Governor Aminu Abdulsalam criticized the reforms, calling them “ill-timed and harmful to national unity.”

The northern leaders are demanding that the bills be withdrawn to allow for broader consultations. Tinubu’s outreach to northern elders seeks to ease tensions, address regional concerns, and ensure the reforms are seen as equitable and beneficial to all parts of the country.