Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has voiced strong opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s proposed Tax Reforms Bill, currently under review by the National Assembly, highlighting concerns from the northern region.
In a recent interview with BBC News Hausa, shared on X, Zulum expressed the North’s resistance to the bill, warning of its adverse effects on the region and beyond. He argued that the proposed tax reforms would lead to economic downturn, increased poverty, hunger, and insecurity, particularly affecting the northern states.
Zulum also questioned the urgency with which the National Assembly is pursuing the bill, pointing out the long delays in passing other crucial legislation, such as the Petroleum Bill. He expressed concerns over the affordability and long-term sustainability of the tax system, stressing, “If passed, we fear that the North will not be able to pay. Even if we manage to pay once, subsequent years will bring trouble because we won’t be able to keep up with the payments.”
The governor noted that states like Lagos have also raised alarms about the potential economic impact of the bill, reinforcing the widespread concern across various regions. He appealed to President Tinubu to take the North’s worries into account, emphasizing that the region played a key role in his electoral victory, contributing around 60 percent of the votes.
Zulum pleaded with Tinubu to consider the long-term consequences for the North and other parts of the country. “This bill, if passed, could devastate the North. It will not only harm us but also impact the Eastern, Western, and South-South regions, including states like Oyo, Ekiti, and Ondo. Even Lagos could suffer,” he said, urging for a reconsideration of the bill to avoid further setbacks.
Addressing members of the National Assembly, Zulum warned against passing the bill at the expense of their constituents’ well-being. He clarified that opposition to the bill does not equate to opposition to the government but is rooted in a desire to protect regional interests. “We must be cautious. Our families, communities, and future generations are at stake,” Zulum stated.
The governor reiterated that Northern Governors had met to discuss their stance, emphasizing that they would not support the bill. He also called on President Tinubu to disregard claims that Northern leaders oppose him personally. “This is about politics. We voted for him, but this tax issue should not define our relationship,” Zulum added.
The Presidency, through Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, has previously explained that the Tax Reforms Bill is designed to improve the lives of Nigerians and was not intended to disadvantage any region.
