Governors Split Over Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills As Meeting Ends In Deadlock

Governors Split Over Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills As Meeting Ends In DeadlockDivisions have emerged among the 36 state governors of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) over the contentious tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly. The bills, submitted by President Bola Tinubu, have sparked significant opposition, particularly from governors in the northern region.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The rift became evident during a tense and unusually brief meeting held on Wednesday night at the NGF Secretariat in Abuja. The meeting, which lasted only an hour, ended without the usual press briefing or communiqué, highlighting the growing discord. The 19 northern governors have strongly opposed key provisions of the bills, demanding their withdrawal for further consultations.

Earlier, the National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, had voiced its concerns about the proposed reforms. The governors’ meeting, which began late at 10 p.m., saw attendees leaving just an hour later without addressing the media. Observers noted the lack of usual solidarity, with many governors clustering according to regional affiliations.

According to sources, the meeting failed to produce a consensus on the bills, which include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill. The bills, transmitted to the National Assembly on October 3, 2024, are part of a broader attempt to overhaul Nigeria’s tax system, with provisions aimed at reforming fiscal policies, streamlining tax administration, and establishing new revenue agencies.

The delayed start of the meeting and the staggered arrival of governors hinted at underlying tensions. Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodinma, Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, arrived with APC colleagues after consultations with party Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa. It was reported that APC governors appeared more coordinated after their earlier meetings, while opposition governors, including Alex Otti of Abia (Labour Party), Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra (All Progressives Grand Alliance), and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau (Peoples Democratic Party), attended as well.

Despite the administration’s stance that the reforms are crucial for improving Nigeria’s revenue generation, resistance from state governors and other stakeholders suggests a protracted debate ahead for the tax reform bills.

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