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Borno Governor Slams Proposed Tax Reform Bills, Warns of Harm to Northern States

Published by Tope Fakinlede on November 30th, 2024.

Borno Governor Slams Proposed Tax Reform Bills, Warns of Harm to Northern States

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Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has voiced strong opposition to the proposed tax reform bills, expressing concerns that they could severely harm the northern region and other parts of Nigeria. In an interview with BBC Hausa on Friday, Zulum criticized the rapid pace at which the bill is progressing through the legislative process, highlighting the stark contrast to the Petroleum Industry Bill, which took nearly 20 years to pass.

“Why the rush?” Zulum questioned. “The Petroleum Industry Bill took almost two decades to be passed, yet this tax reform bill is being fast-tracked through the National Assembly within just a week. This is a bill that should be handled with utmost caution to ensure that its impacts are beneficial for future generations, even long after we are gone.”

The governor further emphasized that the proposed tax reforms could negatively affect not just the northern states but also regions in the South East and parts of the South West, including Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo. Zulum clarified that his opposition was not politically motivated but stemmed from a genuine concern for the region’s development.

“We strongly condemn these bills,” he stated. “If passed, they will hinder the progress of the North and create serious setbacks for states that are already grappling with development challenges. We urge President Tinubu, who secured the majority of his votes from the North, to reconsider this decision. He should not be swayed by those claiming that the North is not supportive of his administration. What we need is for these tax bills to be withdrawn.”

The governor warned that the passage of the bill would make it even harder for northern states to implement critical developmental projects, including paying workers’ salaries.

Similarly, Falakin Shinkafi Yunusa Hamza also voiced concerns about the proposed tax reforms. In a statement obtained by Saturday PUNCH, Hamza warned that the bill could devastate the northern economy, stating, “If this bill becomes law, it will cripple the economies of northern states, benefiting only a handful of southern states.”

As the debate over the bill continues, the fate of the northern economy remains uncertain, with many fearing the bill could exacerbate existing economic disparities between the regions. The key question now is whether the voices of the affected populations will be heard and considered as the legislative process unfolds.