Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has voiced strong opposition to the proposed tax reforms by President Bola Tinubu, stating they should not be implemented in their current form. Governor Zulum argued that if the bills are passed as they are, the majority of the funds from the Value Added Tax (VAT) would end up benefiting Lagos State.
While not opposing President Tinubu’s administration, Zulum warned that if the president uses his influence to pass the bills without making necessary adjustments, it could have negative consequences for the people. He called for more time to discuss the proposals, emphasizing the importance of democratic consultation.
Zulum clarified that governors are not against the president, stating, “We understand the president’s power. I respect him, but if he pushes through the tax reforms without changes, it could affect the people.” He made these comments in an interview with Channels Television on Sunday.
In October, President Tinubu had requested the National Assembly to consider and pass several key tax bills, including the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024, and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024. Despite some opposition, the Senate has already passed these bills for second reading.