Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has described the recommendations made by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) on the tax reform bills as a positive move but insists that they are insufficient to address lingering concerns about the legislation.
The tax reform bills, currently under review by the National Assembly, have sparked widespread criticism, particularly in northern Nigeria, where many perceive them as unfavourable to the region. Critics have labelled the bills an “anti-north agenda” by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, Ndume, a vocal critic of some government policies, expressed concern that the reforms might exacerbate the economic challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians. He called on the president to withdraw the bills, advocating for a more inclusive approach to ensure the legislation does not disproportionately affect the poor.
“The NGF’s intervention is a step in the right direction, but it is not enough. There are still areas of the bills that lack clarity and require further examination,” Ndume said. He emphasized the importance of broader consultations with stakeholders, including the general public, to reach a unified and transparent position on the bills.
Ndume also cautioned against rushing the legislative process, warning that doing so could lead to significant errors. “Now that an opportunity for corrections has been created, unlike before when the bills were closed for input, it is crucial to involve legislators and the public to make necessary adjustments,” he added.
The senator’s remarks underscore growing calls for a more deliberate and transparent approach to tax reforms that balance revenue generation with the economic realities of Nigerians.
