Sule Reveals Governors’ Full Support For Federal Tax Reforms Amid Economic Challenges

Sule made this statement after the House of Representatives passed four key tax reform bills on March 18, which included changes suggested by the governors.

Earlier, Sule, along with other northern governors, had expressed concerns about certain sections of the bills initially presented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The main issue was the proposed gradual increase of the Value Added Tax (VAT) from 7.5% to 10%, and eventually to 15% within five years.

During the Veritas media event in Abuja, Sule praised President Tinubu for his openness to the governors’ concerns. He revealed that after discussions with the President, the governors were allowed to propose their amendments.

“The President called us to a meeting, and my colleagues tasked me with representing their concerns,” Sule said.

He noted that the adjustments to the VAT section, as requested by the governors, were accurately incorporated into the bills passed by the House of Representatives.

It is worth remembering that the governors initially opposed the bills and, after a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, called on the President to withdraw them from the National Assembly. Despite their resistance, President Tinubu held firm and rejected their request, advising the governors to present their concerns during the public hearing instead.