Northern Governors Clarify Stance on Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bill

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has stated that Northern governors cannot oppose President Bola Tinubu, whom he described as a leader they collectively helped to elect.

This comes amid reports of Northern governors rejecting aspects of a tax reform bill sent to the National Assembly by President Tinubu’s administration.

In a communiqué issued Monday, the Northern Governors’ Forum, chaired by Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa, expressed concerns over elements of the bill, notably its provisions on Value Added Tax (VAT) distribution.

The proposed legislation, forwarded by Tinubu to the Senate and House of Representatives on October 3, 2024, includes provisions to rename the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS).

It also aims to provide VAT exemptions for oil and gas exports, crude petroleum, feed gas, and humanitarian donor-funded projects.

Following a meeting in Kaduna with Northern governors and the Traditional Rulers Council, the Forum urged the National Assembly to oppose any measure that could adversely affect the region.

During an interview with Channels Television, Governor Sule elaborated on the governors’ concerns, particularly regarding the VAT-sharing formula.

“We cannot turn against President Tinubu, whom the North rallied behind to elect,” Sule said. “Our focus is on fairness in VAT distribution.

If the current approach stands, it could result in an imbalance favoring some Southern states.”