The Northern govs, however, called on Nigerians to remain calm amid economic hardship bedevilling the country
By Kehinde Okeowo
Governors of the 17 Northern states on Monday unanimously rejected the tax reform bill sent to the National Assembly by the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.
The decision was conveyed via a communiqué made available by Gombe State governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who doubles as the Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum.
President Tinubu had prior to the development forwarded a tax reform bill to the Senate and House of Representatives for approval.
Part of the bill, which was sent on October 3, provided for reforms which included changing the name of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS).
Reacting to the proposal, the Northern govs rejected the tax bill, especially the portion suggesting that value-added tax (VAT) should be distributed on derivative basis.
They, therefore, called on the National Assembly to reject the proposed bill.
“The Forum noted with dismay the content of the recent Tax Reform Bill that was forwarded to the National Assembly.
“The contents of the Blare against the interests of the north and other sub-nationals, especially the proposed amendment to the distribution of value-added tax (VAT) to a derivation-based model.
“This is because companies remit VAT using the location of their headquarters and tax office and not where the services and goods are consumed.
“In view of the foregoing, the Forum unanimously rejects the proposed tax amendments and calls on members of the National Assembly to oppose any bill that can jeopardise the well-being of our people.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Northern Governor’s Forum is not averse to any policies or programmes that will ensure the growth and development of the country.
“However, the Forum calls for equity and fairness in the implementation of all national policies and programmes so as to ensure that no geopolitical zone is short-changed or marginalized,” the Northern govs stated.
Meanwhile, the forum called on Nigerians to remain calm amid economic hardship bedevilling the country.
