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MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (CHATNEWSTV) — Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has strongly opposed the proposed tax reform bills, warning that their passage could severely hinder progress in northern Nigeria and exacerbate economic challenges in other regions.
“These bills will drag the north backward,” Zulum said in an interview with BBC Hausa on Thursday. “And not only the north—states in the South East and some in the South West, like Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo, will also face serious problems because of these bills.”
The tax reform bills, introduced to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in September, have faced widespread criticism, particularly from northern stakeholders. Northern governors, traditional rulers, and the Northern Elders Forum have collectively rejected the legislation, describing it as harmful to national interests. Despite the backlash, the Senate advanced the bills to a second reading on Thursday, sparking rowdy debates in plenary.
Zulum expressed frustration at the bills’ swift legislative progress, contrasting it with the prolonged deliberation of other significant bills, such as the Petroleum Industry Bill, which took nearly two decades to pass.
“Why all the rush?” Zulum asked. “There’s a petroleum bill that took almost 20 years before it was finally passed. But this one was transmitted and now receiving legislative attention within a week. It should be treated carefully and with caution so that even after our exit, our children would reap the benefits.”
The governor warned that the reforms, if implemented, could cripple state finances, making it difficult for many states to meet salary obligations.
“If these bills scale through, we will not even be able to pay salaries. And if we paid, it won’t be sustainable the following year,” he said.
Addressing concerns about hunger, poverty, and security in the north, Zulum was unequivocal.
“These bills will worsen hunger and poverty, including security challenges,” he said.
He also noted that opposition to the bills extended beyond the north, with Lagos State among those objecting to the legislation.
Zulum urged President Tinubu to reconsider the reforms, highlighting the support the north provided in securing Tinubu’s election.
“He secured 60% of his votes in the north. He should not listen to those telling him that northerners are not supporting him,” Zulum said.
“What we need now is the withdrawal of the tax bills.”
The governor dismissed suggestions that his criticism reflected opposition to the administration, insisting that his stance was motivated by concern for the nation’s well-being.
“This is not opposition. We supported and voted for him. But these bills will not mean good for us,” he said.
When asked about rumors of lawmakers being lobbied or bribed to support the bills, Zulum responded cautiously.
“There are rumors, but we are not certain. But you know we are in Nigeria!” he said.
“What I am saying is that let us all be patriotic. We should not endorse anything that would impede the progress of the north or other regions.”
The governor concluded by appealing to the President to heed the concerns of northern leaders and stakeholders.
“We are appealing to the President to listen to us and address our concerns. Let us all be careful and patriotic in this matter,” he said.
