The presidency has dismissed concerns that the proposed tax reform bills before the National Assembly would disproportionately benefit Lagos and Rivers states at the expense of northern Nigeria.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga clarified on Monday, December 2, that the reforms aim to enhance the quality of life for all Nigerians, streamline tax administration, and foster a better business environment.
He stated, “The tax reform bills will not make Lagos or Rivers states more affluent than others, nor will they impoverish any region.”
Onanuga also rejected claims that agencies such as TETFUND, NASENI, or NITDA would be scrapped, assuring they would continue to receive funding through budgetary allocations.
The statement followed remarks from Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, who expressed concerns about the VAT sharing model favoring certain states.
However, Onanuga urged Nigerians to reject such divisive narratives, emphasizing the broader national benefits of the reforms.
Meanwhile, Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, called on Northern leaders to approach the reforms pragmatically, stressing the importance of prioritizing development over ethnic or religious sentiments.
Dogara stated, “We Northern leaders should remove the cap of ethnicity and religious sentiments and put on the cap of leadership to face the reality that the bills will bring.”
The tax reforms are part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader fiscal strategy to simplify tax collection and alleviate business burdens while supporting national development.
Despite criticism from some lawmakers over insufficient consultation, Dogara urged leaders to focus on the reforms’ long-term benefits.
“How many people do they consult when making laws? Some state laws are written in the living rooms of governors,” he noted, challenging the sincerity of the opposition and urging a focus on impactful governance.
