- The North has changed its strategy to ensure it’s not hurt by President Bola Tinubu’s four tax reform bills before the National Assembly.
- The League of Northern Democrats has inaugurated a technical committee to review the bills clause-by-clause.
- Southern senators have thrown their weight behind the tax reform bills, saying they will foster a fair and inclusive tax system.
A regional crisis is looming over President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills, with northern leaders changing their strategy to protect their interests. The League of Northern Democrats has set up a technical committee to review the bills clause-by-clause, identifying provisions that may harm the North and suggesting alternatives.
The committee, composed of experts in law, accounting, and legislation, has one week to complete its task. This move underscores the North’s commitment to ensuring that laws reflect justice, equity, and prosperity for all Nigerians.
In contrast, southern senators have expressed support for the tax reform bills, stating that they will promote a fair and inclusive tax system. The Nigeria Southern Senators Forum passed a vote of confidence in Senate President Godswill Akpabio and urged South-South governors to work with legislators to fine-tune the bills.
The House of Representatives has suspended debate on the tax reform bill indefinitely, with 73 northern lawmakers opposing the bills. The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has assured that the bills will protect the poor and eliminate multiple taxation.
