President Bola Tinubu has praised the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) for their unanimous support of the four Tax Reform Bills currently under review in the National Assembly. He described the governors’ decision as a demonstration of strong leadership and unity that transcends regional, ethnic, and political divisions.
The president’s commendation was conveyed through a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday. The statement, titled ‘President Tinubu Commends Nigeria Governors for Supporting Tax Reform Initiatives,’ emphasized the significance of the governors’ cooperation in advancing Nigeria’s development.
Tinubu highlighted the importance of Thursday’s consultation between the NGF and the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy, calling it “a commendable example of cooperation between the Federal and State governments.”
The Tax Reform Bills, including the controversial shift to a derivation-based Value Added Tax (VAT) model, aim to modernize Nigeria’s tax laws, strengthen the economy, and attract both local and foreign investments. Tinubu described the bills as “pro-poor” and critical to improving the country’s competitiveness.
Updating outdated tax laws, he said, is essential for Nigeria to achieve its economic goals. “The primary aim of the Tax Reform Bills is to promote national interests, rejuvenate the economy, and enhance Nigeria’s investment climate,” the president noted.
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Tinubu extended special recognition to the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, for uniting governors in support of the reforms. He also thanked the Progressive Governors Forum, the Northern Governors Forum, and other groups that contributed to resolving disagreements over the bills.
“The dialogue between the NGF and the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform highlights the power of constructive conversation in resolving differences,” Tinubu said. He described the governors as “vital contributors to nation-building” and reaffirmed his commitment to working with them to drive economic growth, peace, and stability.
The president urged other stakeholders with suggestions or concerns about the Tax Reform Bills to engage with the legislative process at the National Assembly. He also called on lawmakers to expedite the passage of the bills so that the nation can quickly benefit from the reforms.
“The president urged the National Assembly to expedite the legislative process for these crucial bills so that the country can swiftly reap the benefits of the reforms,” the statement added.
Tinubu’s remarks highlight his administration’s focus on fostering cooperation between federal and state governments to implement reforms that address Nigeria’s economic challenges. By bringing governors together across political divides, the president aims to create a collaborative atmosphere for sustainable development.
This development marks a significant step toward modernizing Nigeria’s tax system and positioning the country for long-term growth