An aide to Governor Sule stated that Northern Nigeria has rejected tax legislation due to perceived regional imbalances.

The North of Nigeria is mobilizing against the recent tax reform bills proposed by the federal government, citing concerns that these measures may disproportionately benefit southern states. Peter Ahemba, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, articulated these reservations during a media interaction in Lafia. He emphasized the necessity for a united stance among political players from northern Nigeria in opposing the bills.

Ahemba pointed out that the northern region perceives the tax reforms as favoring southern states, particularly indicating Lagos as a principal beneficiary. This sentiment of disparity has led to a chorus of opposition from northern senators and House of Representatives members who are advocating for a reassessment of the proposed measures. The Northern Governors Forum is similarly calling on the President to pause the legislative process to allow for broader consultations and to address the inherent concerns regarding equity.

Furthermore, the perspective of regional governance was echoed by Maiwada Danmallam, the Director General of Media to Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda. He suggested that it is premature for governors to take definitive stances on the bills prior to their public debate. The controversy surrounding the initial iteration of the bills, attributed to contentious clauses, necessitates a careful analysis of any revised proposals.

In Adamawa State, Prof. John Ngamsa, Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, indicated that his governor has yet to finalize his position on the reforms. Acknowledging the importance of revenue generation for developmental purposes, Ngamsa reaffirmed that the governor remains vigilant concerning potential adverse impacts on the populace, advocating for amendments as necessary.

As discussions evolve, the outcome of the proposed tax reforms will significantly influence the political and economic landscape across Nigeria, particularly in terms of regional equity and fiscal responsibility. The current united front from northern political figures highlights the critical engagement required to address the concerns of all stakeholders involved in governance and development.