Governors Silent On Tax Reform Bills, Others After Abuja Meeting

Governors from Nigeria’s 36 states met under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) on Wednesday night, leaving journalists and observers in the dark as no agenda or communiqué was released after the hour-long session.

The meeting, which commenced around 10 p.m. at the NGF headquarters in Abuja, concluded just after 11 p.m. Unlike previous meetings, where a designated governor briefed the press, attendees exited in silence, refusing to address waiting journalists.

Insiders within the NGF who spoke with The Guardian hinted that the meeting revolved around the controversial tax reform bills introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration. However, the governors reportedly failed to reach a consensus, leading to the absence of a communiqué.

The tax reform bills, currently before the National Assembly, have drawn widespread criticism, with many governors voicing strong opposition. The 19 northern governors have explicitly rejected key sections of the bills, demanding their withdrawal.

The National Economic Council (NEC), which includes Vice President Kashim Shettima and the 36 governors, had earlier rejected the bills, citing concerns about their potential impact on state revenues and economic disparities.

The Wednesday meeting was attended by 15 governors, predominantly from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Opposition governors Alex Otti of Abia State (Labour Party) and Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State (All Progressives Grand Alliance) were also present.