By Bayero Ade
The Kano State House of Assembly has rejected the proposed Tax Reform Bills by President Bola Tinubu, citing concerns over their potential negative impact on northern states’ economies.
At a plenary session led by Speaker Isma’il Falgore, the lawmakers deliberated on the bills and voted against them.
Lawan Husseini, the Majority Leader (ANPP-Dala), introduced a motion of “urgent public importance,” urging northern lawmakers to prevent the bills from passing in the National Assembly. He argued that the reform would primarily benefit southern states, particularly Lagos, where major corporations and multinational companies are based.
“The bills would leave northern states at a disadvantage, further deepening economic hardship in the region,” Husseini said. “If passed, they would significantly reduce the share of VAT for the northern states while boosting the economy of Lagos and its surrounding areas.”
Husseini emphasized that states like Lagos, which account for the majority of corporate revenue, would receive up to 80% of the VAT collected in the country, sidelining northern states.
Further supporting the motion, lawmaker Salisu Mohammed called for a focus on more urgent national challenges, such as rising insecurity and widespread unemployment, rather than pushing the tax reform bills forward.
The rejection by the Kano Assembly adds to the growing opposition to the bills in northern Nigeria, with critics warning of economic disadvantages for the region.
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