Presidency Criticizes Governor Zulum’s Remarks on Tax Reform Bills

Dec 3, 2024

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By Bayero Ade

The Presidency has responded sharply to Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum’s criticism of the Tax Reform Bills, describing his remarks as “backward thinking.” Zulum, alongside other northern leaders, had opposed the bills, claiming they would harm the northern region and worsen poverty levels.

Governor Zulum had also questioned the urgency surrounding the bills, comparing the situation to the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which took 20 years to pass into law. He suggested that a more deliberate approach was necessary.

In a rebuttal, Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, argued that Zulum’s stance ignored the consequences of delaying critical reforms. Ajayi highlighted the economic losses Nigeria suffered due to the prolonged passage of the PIB, which deterred investments and job creation in the oil and gas sector.

“It is misleading to suggest that the Tax Reform Bills, which are the result of 14 months of work by over 80 professionals from across Nigeria, are being rushed through the National Assembly,” Ajayi stated.

“The delay in passing the PIB cost the country heavily in terms of lost revenue, investments, and jobs. We cannot afford a repeat of such mistakes. This reform is long overdue and essential for the progress of our economy,” he added.

Ajayi emphasized that the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee conducted extensive consultations nationwide before drafting the bills, ensuring input from all sectors and regions.

The Tax Reform Bills have faced significant opposition from northern governors and lawmakers, who argue that the reforms could disproportionately affect their region. However, the bills are designed to unify tax administration across the country, reduce double taxation, and encourage private sector investment in strategic industries.

The Presidency urged critics to focus on the broader national benefits of the reforms, stressing that their implementation is critical to driving economic growth and equity in revenue allocation.