Tinubu woos Arewa elders as north pushes back on tax reform bills

President Bola Tinubu has intensified efforts to gain the support of northern elites for his administration’s tax reform bills amid growing opposition from the region.

Sources within the Presidency revealed to Punch that Tinubu is reaching out through personal consultations and back-channel engagements to address concerns and secure buy-in for the contentious proposals.

The bills, which include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, and others, aim to reform the tax system but have faced strong resistance from the Northern Governors Forum.

The governors argue that the proposed changes, particularly the shift to a derivation-based Value Added Tax (VAT) distribution model, would economically disadvantage the region.

During a media chat in December, Tinubu defended the reforms, emphasizing their necessity for Nigeria’s economic future.

“Tax reform is here to stay. We cannot retool this economy with old, broken tools,” he said, urging Nigerians to embrace the changes.

However, northern governors remain firm in their stance, demanding the withdrawal of the bills for further consultation.

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed labelled the proposals “anti-northern,” warning of regional consequences if they proceed.

Kano State has also voiced its opposition, with Deputy Governor Aminu Abdulsalam criticizing the reforms as “ill-timed and detrimental to Nigeria’s unity.”