Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum has called on Northern senators to reject President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bill, warning that its passage would devastate the economy of not just the North, but also parts of the South-West and South-East.
In an interview with BBC Hausa, Zulum accused the proposed bill of favouring Lagos State at the expense of other regions.
“We believe this reform will only benefit Lagos State, but they are claiming otherwise. We are not against the bill to defy the president, rather, we want to protect the future of our states,” he said.
The governor expressed frustration over the rapid push for the bill’s passage, contrasting it with the Petroleum Industry Bill, which underwent two decades of scrutiny before being approved.
“I don’t understand why we are being so hasty about this tax reform. The petroleum bill was at the Assembly for 20 years before it was approved. Why is this one being rushed?” Governor Zulum queried.
The governor also criticised what he called lack of engagement with stakeholders, raising concerns about the bill while arguing that its implementation could cripple state finances.
“If this reform passes, in the coming years we wouldn’t even be able to pay salaries. We must think about the future of our children,” he warned.
The governor called on senators from both the North and South to set aside political affiliations and consider the long-term implications of the bill.
“We must act in the best interests of the next generation and ensure this reform is thoroughly reviewed before any decisions are made,” he urged.
Zulum also appealed to President Tinubu and other stakeholders to reconsider the bill’s timing and content, emphasising the need for a more deliberate and inclusive approach.