Zulum criticises tax reform bills

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has voiced deep concern about the proposed tax reform bill, warning that it might have disastrous effects for the northern area and other regions of the country.

In an interview with BBC Hausa on Friday, Zulum attacked the bill’s rapid passage through the parliamentary process, comparing it to the Petroleum Industry Bill, which took nearly two decades to pass.

Zulum said, “Why the rush? The Petroleum Industry Bill took almost 20 years before it was finally passed. But this tax reform bill is being transmitted and receiving legislative attention within a week. It should be treated carefully and with caution so that even after our exit, our children will reap its benefits.

“We condemn these bills sent to the National Assembly. They will drag the North backwards and also affect the South East and some South-Western states like Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo.

“This is not opposition. Based on our understanding, this bill will destroy the North entirely. We call on President Tinubu to review this decision. He secured 60 percent of his votes from the North. He should not listen to those telling him the North is not supporting him. What we need is the withdrawal of these tax bills.”

Zulum cautioned that if the law passed, northern states would struggle to carry out developmental projects, including paying staff. The respected Falakin Shinkafi, Yunusa Hamza, also expressed significant concern about the proposed tax bill, claiming that it has the potential to devastate the northern economy.

According to Hamza in a news message obtained by Chronicle NG, “the bill, if passed into law, will only serve to cripple the economies of northern states, favouring only one or two southern states.

“As the debate over the bill continues, it remains to be seen whether the concerns of the masses would be considered. With this bill when passed, the fate of the northern economy hangs in the balance.”