Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has called on northern lawmakers to reject President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills, warning they would devastate the northern economy while disproportionately benefiting Lagos State. Speaking to the BBC, Zulum criticized the hasty approach to the legislation and expressed concerns that it would worsen poverty and hardship in the region.
Zulum urged Tinubu to consider the north’s overwhelming support during the 2023 elections and address its grievances. He also warned against lawmakers being pressured or bribed into supporting the bills, calling for vigilance to protect northern interests.
The tax reform bills, including the Nigeria Tax Bill and Tax Administration Bill, have faced widespread opposition from the Northern States Governors Forum and lawmakers like Senator Ali Ndume. Despite the resistance, the bills recently advanced to a second reading in the Senate.