The Nigerian Presidency has firmly dismissed concerns that the proposed tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly would disadvantage northern Nigeria while disproportionately benefiting Lagos and Rivers states.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga clarified that these reforms are designed to enhance the quality of life for all Nigerians, particularly the disadvantaged, by simplifying tax administration and fostering a more conducive business environment.
The reassurance from the Presidency comes in response to remarks made by Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum, who voiced apprehensions about the new Value Added Tax (VAT) sharing model potentially favoring certain states.
Onanuga countered these claims, describing them as "unfounded and based on misinformation." He emphasized that the reforms will not lead to any region becoming impoverished, nor will they make Lagos or Rivers states more affluent than others.
Furthermore, Onanuga assured that essential agencies such as the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) will continue to operate and receive funding through budgetary allocations.
The overarching goal of President Bola Tinubu’s tax and fiscal policy reforms is to streamline tax collection, alleviate burdens on businesses, and support national development.
Adding to the discourse, Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, urged Northern leaders to approach the tax reform bills with pragmatism rather than sentimentality.
During a town hall meeting on Channels Television, Dogara highlighted the importance of prioritizing the region's future development over ethnic or religious biases.
He called for leadership that embraces the reality and potential benefits these reforms could bring, stating, "We Northern leaders should remove the cap of ethnicity and religious sentiments and put on the cap of leadership to face the reality."
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