NEC Calls for Withdrawal of Controversial Tax Reform Bills

The National Economic Council (NEC) has advised the withdrawal of the contentious tax reform bills currently being considered by the National Assembly. The council, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, includes state governors among its members.

Following a recent NEC meeting, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde informed journalists at the State House that the council proposed retracting the bills to ensure broader stakeholder consultation and engagement in the process.

Tax Reform Bills Meant to Serve All Regions

In a related development, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu clarified that the proposed tax reforms are not intended to disadvantage any region, emphasizing that they are designed to benefit all states.

This position was made public on Thursday through a statement by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Previously, governors from Nigeria’s 19 northern states, under the Northern Governors’ Forum, voiced opposition to a VAT distribution approach based on derivation, as outlined in the proposed tax reforms. This stance was affirmed at their meeting on October 28, 2024, where the forum’s chairman, Governor Muhammed Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, presented their communiqué.

Traditional leaders from the region, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, were also in attendance.