The Presidency has rejected claims that the proposed tax reforms would harm northern Nigeria or disproportionately favour Lagos and Rivers states. Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, explained that the reforms are designed to improve the quality of life for all Nigerians, especially the disadvantaged, and streamline tax processes for a better business environment.
This statement followed concerns from Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum regarding the VAT sharing model, which he believed could favour Lagos and Rivers. Onanuga countered these claims, calling them unfounded, and emphasized that no region would suffer under the reforms. He also clarified that key agencies like TETFUND, NASENI, and NITDA would continue to operate as usual, funded through regular budget allocations.
Additionally, former Speaker Yakubu Dogara urged Northern leaders to adopt a pragmatic approach to the tax reforms, emphasizing that the region’s future development should take precedence over ethnic and religious biases. He criticized lawmakers for their lack of consultation on the bills, suggesting that their claims were self-serving. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms, further clarified that the bills aim to empower state governments to generate more revenue and become self-sufficient.
