Tax Reform Bills: ‘Tinubu Consulting Northern Elite, Groups’

President Bola Tinubu has begun reaching out to northern elites and the political class in an effort to gain support for the passage of contentious tax reform bills.

The bills, which were introduced to the National Assembly in October 2024, include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.

Sources within the Presidency disclosed that Tinubu has employed various strategies, including private consultations and “back channels,” to address concerns raised by key stakeholders.

A senior official who spoke with Punch on the condition of anonymity, said, “What I know is that he (President Tinubu) has been consulting with some of the northern elite at the individual level and as groups, even before the holidays.” 

Another source who spoke with the platform revealed that the President is using “back channels” and other means to win over opposition to the bills.

The source said, “He is reaching out through different channels that are available to him to make sure that the grey areas of the bill are smoothened out.”

Despite these overtures, northern governors remain resolute in their opposition to the bills, insisting that they should be withdrawn for further consultation.

The governors argue that the proposed reforms could disproportionately affect their regions and undermine economic growth.

The bills, aimed at overhauling Nigeria’s tax administration and revenue collection systems, have sparked widespread debate, with critics claiming they could lead to increased taxation and financial hardship for citizens.

The federal government, however, has defended the proposals, stating they are necessary to boost revenue generation and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on oil.