Bayero Ade
The Benue State government has declared its support for President Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills, which are currently being reviewed by the National Assembly. This comes despite opposition from several Northern states and calls for broader consultations.
Benue’s Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning, Mr. Michael Oglegba, described the reforms as a step in the right direction for boosting the nation’s tax revenue. Speaking in Makurdi on Monday, he said, “The Tax Reform Bill is largely a good bill. We support the Federal Government’s effort to grow tax revenues.”
This position contrasts sharply with the Northern Governors Forum, which has expressed reservations about the bills, particularly regarding the proposed Value Added Tax (VAT) sharing formula. At a recent meeting in Kaduna, the governors instructed federal lawmakers from their states to reject the reforms when they come up for debate in the National Assembly.
Similarly, the National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, had advised the Federal Government to withdraw the bills to allow for wider consultations with key stakeholders. However, President Tinubu has opted to proceed with the legislative process, arguing that the reforms are critical for addressing inefficiencies in the nation’s tax system.
The Tax Reform Bills seek to overhaul Nigeria’s tax framework, improve revenue collection, and create a more business-friendly environment. While the proposed changes have sparked intense debate across the country, Benue’s endorsement highlights a growing divide over their potential implications for governance and economic development.
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