Daniel Bwala, President Tinubu's Special Adviser on Policy Communication, defends the proposed tax reform bills, asserting they will benefit the poor in northern Nigeria. Despite opposition from northern governors, Bwala dismisses fears that the reforms will harm the region and suggests political negotiations are behind the resistance.
Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, has defended the proposed tax reform bills, emphasizing that they will benefit the poor in northern Nigeria. Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time on December 3, Bwala dismissed claims that the reforms would harm the north.
The bills, which include the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, and others, were sent to the national assembly by President Tinubu in October. These reforms are designed to replace the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) with a new Nigeria Revenue Service. However, the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) has voiced opposition to the bills, fearing they could disadvantage the region. Their concerns arose after a meeting with northern traditional rulers in late October, where they called for equitable policy implementation.
Despite the opposition, Bwala reassured the public that the tax reforms were not intended to harm any region, especially the north. He explained that the bills aim to alleviate poverty by benefiting poorer citizens. Bwala also noted that many northerners, including those from the north-central and north-western regions, have supported the reform. He suggested that some of the opposition could be politically motivated, with governors looking to use the issue to negotiate with the president.
The presidential spokesperson also dismissed rumors of a contract between President Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron concerning the recolonization of the north, labeling it as false.
