Amid the controversy trailing the proposed tax reform bill being considered in the National Assembly, Borno Governor Babagana Zulum has called for broader consultation.
Zulum, who is among the northern governors opposing the bill, clarified that he is not against President Bola Tinubu.
The governor harped on the significance of stakeholders addressing concerns and misconceptions surrounding the bills.
Speaking in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya on Monday, Governor Zulum stated: “Consultation is a cardinal principle in any democratic society.
“We need to take the time to understand the nuances of the bill and ensure all contentious areas are addressed before implementation.”
Governor Zulum also voiced concern regarding the provision that allocates 60% of Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue based on derivation.
According to him, the policy would disproportionately benefit states like Lagos and Rivers, potentially leaving other states at a disadvantage.
“The VAT provision, as currently proposed, suggests that only a few states will benefit significantly. This is why we should not rush the process. The goal is to ensure fairness and inclusivity in our tax reforms,” he said.
On being against President Tinubu, Zulum stated that his remarks were to advocate a more inclusive approach to the proposed bill.
“There is a misconception that the North is against the President. This is far from the truth. The North contributed 60.2% of his votes, which underscores our support.
“My appeal to the President is to consider the challenges faced by some states and work towards solutions that benefit the entire country.”