Northern Governors Stand Firm Against Tinubu's Tax Reform

The governors of Northern Nigeria have collectively rejected President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's proposed tax reform bill, which is currently being reviewed by the National Assembly.

This decision was announced in a communiqué issued by the Northern Governors' Forum, chaired by Muhammadu Inuwa, the governor of Gombe State.

The primary concern for the governors is the bill's proposal to shift the distribution of value-added tax (VAT) to a derivative-based model. Under this model, VAT would be remitted based on the location of company headquarters and tax offices, rather than where goods and services are consumed.

The governors argue that this approach could disadvantage regions like the North, where fewer corporate headquarters are located.

"The contents of the bill are against the interests of the north and other sub-nationals," the communiqué stated. "We unanimously reject the proposed tax amendments and call on members of the National Assembly to oppose any bill that can jeopardize the well-being of our people."

The Northern Governors' Forum emphasized their support for policies that promote national growth and development but insisted on "equity and fairness" in policy implementation to prevent any geopolitical zone from being marginalized.