Tax Reform Bill’s benefits exceed Northern Groups’ concerns — Jibrin
…Calls for negotiation, further consultations
By Esther Adebayo
Abdulmumin Jibrin, a member of the House of Representatives representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency in Kano, has voiced his support for the controversial tax reform bills, countering the opposition from Northern groups.
In a live television interview yesterday, Jibrin argued that the benefits of the bills outweigh the concerns raised by critics, including the Northern Elders Forum and regional governors.
The lawmaker’s remarks came in response to the recent endorsement of the governors’ position on the bills by the Northern Elders Forum. He expressed concern over what he described as a widespread misunderstanding of the tax reform legislation, highlighting that many have rushed to judgement without fully engaging with the details of the bills.
“When President Tinubu introduced the bills, there was initial excitement, but unfortunately, some people rushed to conclusions without properly reading the bills or seeking clarification,” Jibrin said.
One of the primary concerns raised by Northern groups revolves around the distribution of Value Added Tax (VAT). However, Jibrin maintained that the overall advantages of the tax reform far outweigh any potential losses from the VAT dispute.
“The aggregate advantage of this bill surpasses whatever you’re going to lose from the disadvantages,” he stated.
Jibrin also warned that Northern stakeholders risk losing their leverage if the Supreme Court rules in favour of states in the ongoing VAT regulation dispute. According to him, such a decision would further diminish the North’s ability to negotiate for more favorable outcomes in future policy discussions.
The lawmaker underscored the importance of public consultations and hearings in shaping the tax reform bills, saying, “Nobody cooks a bill without consultation… bills are developed through public hearings by taking the opinions of all stakeholders, so that the bill becomes pan-Nigerian.”
Despite the opposition from some Northern groups, Jibrin expressed confidence that the National Assembly would pass the tax reform bills. He assured that any contentious provisions would be addressed through thorough discussions and revisions in the legislative process.
Meanwhile, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has strongly criticised the bills, labelling them as “conceived in bad faith” and a potential threat to national unity.
In a communique issued after a Board of Trustees meeting on Saturday, the NEF decried the manner in which the tax reform legislation was introduced, alleging that key stakeholders, including members of the National Economic Council, were excluded from the process. The forum described the lack of consultation as evidence of “sinister intentions” behind the bills.
The NEF also expressed its support for the Northern Governors’ Forum and the Northern Nigeria Council of Traditional Rulers, who have opposed the bill. The group called their stance “patriotic” and urged Northern politicians in the National Assembly to stand against the legislation.
In its communique, the NEF condemned the apparent lack of vocal opposition from elected politicians in the North, warning that the region could no longer tolerate decisions made without regard for its interests. The forum called for greater vigilance among Northerners, particularly during elections, and cautioned against being misled by unscrupulous leaders with questionable motives.
