Northern leaders have expressed strong disapproval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu‘s recent declaration that the controversial tax reform bills will not be reversed.
The critics, including members of the National Assembly, the League of Northern Democrats, and the Northern Elders’ Forum, have condemned the President’s stance, describing it as unilateral and lacking adequate consultation with key stakeholders.
During a media chat in Lagos on Monday, President Tinubu defended the reforms, acknowledging potential backlash but maintaining that they were necessary to modernize the tax system and eliminate outdated colonial-era practices.
Bola Tinubu
Senator Mohammed Onawo, representing Nasarawa South, emphasized the importance of legislative independence and due process, urging the President to allow lawmakers to review and amend the bills. “If the President, who was once a legislator, is passing judgment on bills before the National Assembly, it is unfortunate,” he said. “Legislators must identify contentious areas and amend sections that do not reflect public opinion or benefit the general populace.”
Senator Ibrahim Gobir accused the President of regional favoritism, arguing that the proposed tax allocation favors a few states, including Lagos, Rivers, and Ogun, while neglecting others.
He warned against implementing reforms without legislative approval, stressing the need to address contentious sections of the bills.
The Northern Elders’ Forum raised concerns over the President’s approach, warning that it could undermine democratic principles. The group’s spokesperson, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, stated, “By preemptively declaring the bills’ passage, the President risks alienating lawmakers and creating unnecessary political friction between the executive and legislative branches.”
Similarly, the League of Northern Democrats called on President Tinubu to show flexibility and address public concerns. Umar Sani, speaking for the group, highlighted specific issues, such as the inheritance tax, which he argued conflicts with religious beliefs.
While acknowledging the need for tax reform to curb corruption, Sani urged the government to review problematic areas of the bills.
“We understand the importance of tax reform in combating corruption, as tax payments can reduce the incentive to embezzle public funds,” Sani explained. “However, some provisions, like the inheritance tax, contradict religious principles. We have offered suggestions on areas that need revision. The President must avoid rigidity and listen to the concerns of Nigerians.”
President Tinubu had earlier submitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly on September 3, 2024, following recommendations from the Taiwo Oyedele-led Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms.
The bills—the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill—aim to streamline and modernize the country’s tax framework.
