Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has voiced strong opposition to the tax reform bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, warning that they will have devastating consequences for the northern region of Nigeria.
The bills, which seek to allocate Value Added Tax (VAT) based on consumption rather than production, have sparked significant backlash, particularly from northern governors, traditional rulers, and the Northern Elders Forum.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Governor Zulum expressed his deep concerns about the rapid progression of the bills through the National Assembly. He pointed out that while other important legislation has taken years to be passed, these tax reform bills are being fast-tracked through the system, without sufficient consultation or consideration of their potential impact.
“These bills will drag the north backward, and not just the north, but also parts of the South East, South West, and some southern states like Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo will face problems,” Zulum warned. “We believe that these bills, if passed, will harm the northern region and the country at large. Therefore, we urge President Tinubu to reconsider this decision and withdraw the bills.”
The governor, who acknowledged that President Tinubu secured a significant portion of his votes from the north, expressed his belief that the president should prioritize the interests of the region, which played a pivotal role in his election success. Zulum argued that the implementation of the tax reform could lead to an unsustainable fiscal situation in northern states, where the revenue generated might not be sufficient to cover basic expenses, including salaries.
“These bills could worsen the situation in terms of poverty, hunger, and even security in the north,” Zulum stated. “We are not opposing the government, but we are asking for a review because these bills could lead to significant hardships.”
While there are rumors suggesting that lawmakers may be influenced by lobbyists or financial incentives to pass the bills, Zulum called for patriotism and careful consideration of the long-term effects of such decisions. He reiterated his appeal to the president, urging him to listen to the concerns of the northern governors and ensure that policies reflect the best interests of all regions of the country.
