Northern Nigeria governors reject Tinubu’s tax reform bill

Northern Nigeria governors reject Tinubu’s tax reform bill

Northern Governors have rejected the recent tax reform bill
that was sent to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s
government.

 

The governors disclosed this in a communiqué on Monday by the
Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, Muhammadu Inuwa, the governor of
Gombe State.

 

This comes as Tinubu, on October 3, 2024, had forwarded a
tax reform bill to the Senate and House of Representatives for approval.

 

Part of the bill provides reforms in the sector, including
changing the name of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to the Nigeria
Revenue Service (NRS).

 

The governors are opposed to the bill, especially the
proposed amendment to the distribution of value-added tax (VAT) to a derivative-based
model.

 

They called on the National Assembly to reject the bill.

 

“The Forum noted with dismay the content of the recent Tax
Reform Bill that was forwarded to the National Assembly.

 

“The contents of the Blare against the interests of the north
and other sub-nationals, especially the proposed amendment to the distribution
of value-added tax (VAT) to a derivation-based model.

 

“This is because companies remit VAT using the location of
their headquarters and tax office and not where the services and goods are
consumed.

 

“In view of the foregoing, the Forum unanimously rejects the
proposed tax amendments and calls on members of the National Assembly to oppose
any bill that can jeopardise the well-being of our people.

 

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Northern Governor’s Forum
is not averse to any policies or programmes that will ensure the growth and
development of the country.

 

“However, the Forum calls for equity and fairness in the
implementation of all national policies and programmes so as to ensure that no
geopolitical zone is short-changed or marginalized,” they stated.

 

Meanwhile, the Forum called on Nigerians to remain calm amid
economic hardship bedevilling the country.

Source: Northern Nigeria governors reject Tinubu’s tax reform bill

 - NigerianEye
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