Following the ongoing controversies surrounding the tax reform bill currently in the National Assembly, the National Economic Council (NEC) has strongly recommended that it be withdrawn. The bill has faced significant scrutiny and criticism from various stakeholders, prompting the NEC to take this step in hopes of fostering better communication and collaboration among all parties involved.
According to reports, the NEC, chaired by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, [/b]includes governors from various states as key members, which underscores the importance of regional representation in this decision-making process. The council aims to address the concerns raised and ensure that any future tax reforms are equitable and beneficial to all states across the nation.
Speaking with State House journalists after the NEC meeting on Thursday, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, emphasized the need for the withdrawal of the tax reform bills, stating that the controversies surrounding them have created a divide among stakeholders. He noted that it is essential for the NEC to facilitate a more inclusive dialogue to allow for the input and consideration of various perspectives before moving forward with any legislation.
More details are expected to follow as discussions continue among NEC members and other relevant parties. This development highlights the ongoing tensions in Nigerian politics regarding tax policy and its impact on different regions of the country.[/p>
In other news, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration has clarified that the proposed tax reform bills are not designed to disadvantage the northern states, asserting that the bill is intended to benefit all states equally. This statement was made public in a release on Thursday by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in an effort to quell rising tensions among northern governors and constituents regarding the implications of the new tax model.[/p>
Recall that the Governors of 19 Northern States of Nigeria, operating under the platform of the Northern Governors’ Forum, convened a meeting on Monday, October 28, 2024, during which they collectively expressed their opposition to the new derivation-based model for Value-Added Tax (VAT) distribution outlined in the new tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly. The forum's chairman, Governor Muhammed Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, read the communiqué, which detailed their concerns and proposed alternatives to the proposed tax reforms.[/p>
The Northern Governors’ Forum meeting also included traditional rulers from the region, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, emphasizing the significance of the issue and the broad consensus among various community leaders regarding the need for a fair and balanced approach to tax reform in Nigeria.