Tinubu praises governors for backing tax reform bills.
President Bola Tinubu praised governors for approving tax reform laws, calling the move “bold.”
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) supported the contentious laws on Thursday, which was a favourable step for those who supported the plan.
Less than a day after the incident, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga expressed his principal’s delight at the governors’ approval of the tax change.
“President Bola Tinubu expresses his appreciation for the Nigeria Governors’ Forum following their unanimous endorsement of the four tax reform bills currently under consideration by the National Assembly,” according to a statement released on Friday.
“President Tinubu lauds the governors for their bold leadership and commitment to fostering unity among leaders nationwide, transcending regional, ethnic, and political barriers to advance Nigeria’s development.”
The governors’ support followed a meeting with the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy, which the presidency described as “a commendable example of collaboration between the federal and state governments.”
The president stated that the dialogue “highlights the power of constructive conversation in resolving differences.”
Tinubu praised Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, Chairman of the Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, for rallying support for revolutionary tax proposals that will revitalise the national economy and improve Nigeria’s investment climate.
He also commends the Progressive Governors Forum, the Northern Governors Forum, and all other organisations that enabled the bipartisan conclusion of the tax bill debate.”
Despite opposition to the measures, particularly from the northern area, Tinubu stated that they are “pro-poor,” designed to “promote national interests, improve the competitiveness of Nigeria’s economy, and attract both local and foreign investments.”
He stated that modernising the country’s archaic tax rules was critical to this endeavour.
“President Tinubu regards the governors as vital contributors to nation-building and affirms his commitment to partnering with them to promote economic growth, national harmony, peace, and stability.”
The president encouraged stakeholders to contribute thoughts and proposals for improving tax legislation during the ongoing legislative process at the National Assembly.
According to Onanuga, Tinubu requested that the “National Assembly expedite the legislative process for these crucial bills so that the country can swiftly reap the benefits of the reforms.”
Tinubu submitted four tax reform legislation to the National Assembly in October, requesting that they be considered and passed.
They include the tax administration bill, the Nigerian tax bill, and the bill to form the joint revenue board.
He also wants to overturn the statute that established the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and replace it with the Nigerian Revenue Service.
However, the decision sparked opposition in various parts of the country, causing the National Assembly to stop for further consultation.