Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has strongly opposed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills, arguing they will significantly harm northern Nigeria and other regions. He called on the President and lawmakers to reconsider the reforms, which he said could lead to widespread economic difficulties and security challenges.
Governor Zulum criticized the bills during an interview with BBC Hausa, expressing frustration over their rapid progress in the National Assembly. “We condemn these bills transmitted to the National Assembly. They will drag the north backward, and not only the north but also the Southeast and some Southwest states like Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo,” he said.
The tax reform bills propose using the location of consumption as the basis for sharing Value Added Tax (VAT), a move that has sparked widespread criticism, particularly in the north. Despite protests, the Senate passed the bills for a second reading on Thursday, sparking outrage from northern stakeholders, including governors, traditional rulers, and the Northern Elders Forum.
A Call for Caution
Governor Zulum highlighted the speed at which the tax reforms were progressing compared to other legislative proposals. “Why all the rush? There’s a petroleum bill that took almost 20 years to pass. But this one was transmitted and is now receiving legislative attention within a week,” he noted.
He urged lawmakers and the executive to exercise caution, emphasizing the potential long-term consequences. “If these bills scale through, we will not even be able to pay salaries, and if we do, it won’t be sustainable the following year,” Zulum warned.
He also emphasized that the reforms could exacerbate hunger and poverty in the north. “Including security. But they’re saying otherwise. We are against it, Lagos is against it; that it will drag it backwards,” he said, pointing to a growing consensus against the proposals.
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Appeal to Tinubu
Governor Zulum reminded President Tinubu of the support he received from the north during the last election, urging him to address the concerns of northern stakeholders. “He secured 60% of his votes in the north. He should not listen to those telling him that northerners are not supporting him. What we need now is the withdrawal of the tax bills,” he said.
The governor clarified that his opposition to the bills does not equate to opposing the government. “This doesn’t mean that we are against the government. We supported and voted for him (President Tinubu). But these bills will not mean good for us,” Zulum stated.
Concerns About Corruption
When asked about the possibility of lawmakers passing the bills under pressure or due to kickbacks, Zulum expressed concerns about potential unethical practices. “There are rumors, but we are not certain. But you know we are in Nigeria! What I am saying is that let us all be patriotic,” he said.
He appealed for unity and foresight in making legislative decisions, stressing the impact on future generations. “We have children, grandchildren, and relatives in villages. We should be careful not to endorse anything that would impede the progress of the north and other regions,” Zulum concluded.
The governor’s firm stance echoes widespread dissatisfaction with the tax reforms across the northern region, with many stakeholders urging a complete review to ensure equity and sustainability.