Tax Reform Bills Will Transform The North: Dogara Explains How

Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, has expressed his support for the controversial tax reform bills introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking at a Town Hall meeting organized by the Christian Awareness Initiatives of Nigeria (CHAIN) in Kaduna on Thursday, Dogara addressed concerns, particularly from the northern region, about the proposed bills. He argued that the reforms would ease the tax burden for many in the North.

The event, titled “Church and Society: Tax Reform and Matters Arising,” provided a platform for Dogara to explain the potential benefits of the reform. He highlighted that individuals earning less than N800,000 would be exempt from taxes, which would relieve a significant portion of the northern population.

“If businesses earning less than 50 million a month are also exempt from tax, it will free up the economic space for our people,” he said. “More businesses will be created, leading to more jobs in a region with high unemployment rates.”

Dogara emphasized that the tax reforms could unlock the creative potential of the North. However, he acknowledged that the distribution of tax revenues might pose challenges for the region.

He stressed the importance of dialogue to ensure fairness between the North and South. “I agree there are legitimate concerns, but we cannot allow difficulties to stop us from taking action,” he remarked. “As leaders, we cannot shy away from difficult decisions.”

On the bill’s provisions regarding derivation, Dogara suggested that it should be refined to reflect the location of consumption rather than the location of company headquarters.

He concluded by noting that while reforms are challenging due to resistance, they are essential for progress. “To move forward, we must embrace change, even if it requires sacrifice,” he said. “At some point, the South will also need to make sacrifices for the North to progress. This is how we can build a better country.”