Tinubu’s Tax Reforms Will Destroy the North – Gov Zulum

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has voiced strong opposition to the tax reform bills sponsored by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, warning that the proposed changes could significantly harm northern Nigeria and parts of the South. The controversial bills, which prioritize the location of consumption as the basis for Value Added Tax (VAT) allocation, have sparked widespread criticism, particularly in northern regions.

Speaking during an interview with BBC Hausa, Governor Zulum expressed frustration over the expedited legislative process for the bills, contrasting it with the protracted timeline of other significant legislation, such as the petroleum bill, which took nearly two decades to pass. Zulum cautioned that the reforms could severely undermine the financial stability of many states, including some in the South West and South East.

“We condemn these bills transmitted to the National Assembly. They will drag the north backward. Not only the north, but some South East and South West states, such as Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo, will also face challenges,” Zulum said.

The governor urged President Tinubu to reconsider the bills, pointing out that the north had overwhelmingly supported his presidential bid. “He secured 60% of his votes in the north. He should not listen to those telling him northerners are not supporting him. What we need now is the withdrawal of the tax bills,” he stated.

Zulum criticized the rush to pass the bills, arguing that the process lacked thorough scrutiny. “Why all the rush? This bill is being prioritized over other critical legislation that took years to finalize. These decisions should be treated carefully and with caution to ensure long-term benefits for future generations.”

The governor warned that the reforms, if implemented, could lead to severe financial strain for many states, potentially rendering them unable to sustain salary payments. “If these bills scale through, we will not even be able to pay salaries sustainably. This will exacerbate issues like hunger, poverty, and even security concerns,” he added.

While emphasizing that his stance was not an act of opposition against the government, Zulum appealed for patriotism and foresight from lawmakers. He dismissed claims that his objections indicated disloyalty to Tinubu’s administration, instead framing them as a call for careful reconsideration of the bills.

“This is not about being against the government. We supported and voted for him. But these bills are not in our collective interest. Our National Assembly members, including some from the southern region, also oppose these bills,” he said.

Zulum also addressed concerns about potential lobbying and unethical practices influencing the legislative process, saying, “There are rumors, but nothing is certain. However, we must be patriotic. We have children, grandchildren, and relatives in villages, and we must be careful not to endorse anything that could hinder progress for the north or other regions.”

The governor’s remarks echo broader dissatisfaction from northern governors, traditional rulers, and the Northern Elders Forum, who have collectively urged the withdrawal of the tax reform bills. Despite these protests, the Senate recently passed the bills for a second reading, amidst heated debates and tension in plenary.