Governors converge in Abuja to discuss controversial tax reforms bills

Fifteen governors, primarily from the All Progressives Congress (APC), convened at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday night for a pivotal meeting.

Notably, the gathering also included two opposition governors: Alex Otti of Abia State (Labour Party) and Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State (All Progressives Grand Alliance).

Although the meeting’s agenda was not disclosed to journalists, it coincides with heated debates over the controversial tax reform bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

These bills, currently under consideration by the National Assembly, have faced significant criticism and resistance, including objections from the NGF under the National Economic Council (NEC). The 19 northern governors have been particularly outspoken, rejecting several key provisions and demanding the withdrawal of the proposed reforms.

The northern governors argue that the measures could disproportionately impact their regions, worsening existing economic disparities.

President Tinubu’s administration introduced the tax reform bills as part of a broader strategy to revamp Nigeria’s tax system and enhance revenue generation. The legislative package includes the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.

While proponents of the reforms assert that they are essential for economic stability and modernization, critics—including several state governors—have raised concerns that the laws could impose additional burdens on states and exacerbate regional inequalities.