Nigeria’s governors are divided over President Tinubu's proposed tax reform bills, with Northern governors opposing certain provisions. A recent meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum failed to reach an agreement, highlighting regional tensions. The bills aim to overhaul tax systems, but further consultations are needed before approval.
The 36 governors under the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) are divided over the proposed tax reform bills submitted by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly. The bills, which aim to overhaul the country’s tax system, have generated intense debate, with the northern governors particularly opposed to several provisions. They have called for the bills to be withdrawn for further consultation.
A tense meeting among the governors on December 12, 2024, failed to reach a consensus on the bills, resulting in no official communique being issued afterward. The brief, one-hour meeting saw the absence of some governors and highlighted regional divides. The meeting was attended by key figures, including governors from both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties, further revealing the deep divisions. The tax reform proposals include changes to tax administration, revenue collection, and the establishment of new revenue bodies, which have raised concerns about their impact on state control and revenue generation. The failure to reach a common ground raises doubts about the future of these reforms.
As the debate continues, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has set up a committee to review the tax bills and make recommendations, emphasizing the need for more inclusive consultations. While some governors are eager for reform, others worry about the implications for local governance and fiscal autonomy, setting the stage for continued discussions in the coming months.
