* Declare proposed law anti-north
The Northern States Governors’ Forum, on Monday, expressed opposition to the recent Tax Reform Bills submitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu.
This is one of the resolutions reached at the meeting of Northern States Governors’ Forum and Northern Traditional Ruler’ Council (Emirs and Chiefs) held on Monday, October 28, 2024.
In the communique signed by Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahya, Chairman of the Forum, the governors specifically rejected the proposal to amend Value Added Tax (VAT) to a derivation based model
Arguing that it will be against the interest of the people of the region, the governors, therefore, called on the lawmakers from the zone in the National Assembly to ensure that the Tax Amendment Bill fails.
The Northern Governors said: “Forum notes with dismay the content of the recent Tax Reform Bill that was forwarded to the National Assembly. The content of the Bill is against the interests of the North and other sub-nationals especially the proposed amendment to the distribution of Value Added Tax (VAT) to Derivation-based Model. This is because companies remit VAT using location of their headquarters and tax office and not where the services and goods are consumed.
“Thus, the Forum unanimously rejected the proposed Tax Amendments and called on members of National Assembly to oppose any bill, arguing that it could jeopardise the well-being of our people.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Northern Governor’ Forum is not averse to any policies or programmes that will ensure the growth and development of the Country. However, the Forum calls for equity and farness in the implementation of all national policies and programmes so as to ensure that no geopolitical zone is short-changed or marginalised.”
In a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, the President explained that the bills were crafted to align with his administration’s goals.
The proposed bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, which aims to establish a comprehensive fiscal framework for tax regulation.
The Tax Administration Bill seeks to provide a clear and concise legal structure for managing taxes in Nigeria to reduce disputes and enhance efficiency.
Additionally, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill is intended to repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service Act and create the Nigeria Revenue Service.
The Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill proposes the creation of a tax tribunal and a tax ombudsman to address tax-related matters.