President Bola Tinubu has commended the governors for their unanimous endorsement of the Tax Reform Bills, calling their decision a “bold and commendable” step toward national progress.
On Thursday, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) declared its support for the contentious tax proposals, a move celebrated by advocates of the reforms. Responding swiftly, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga conveyed Tinubu's gratitude in a statement released on Friday evening.
“President Bola Tinubu expresses his appreciation for the Nigeria Governors’ Forum following their unanimous endorsement of the four Tax Reform Bills currently under consideration by the National Assembly,” the statement read.
Tinubu praised the governors for their courage and unity in overcoming regional, ethnic, and political divisions to prioritize Nigeria’s development. He also acknowledged their leadership as a significant factor in advancing the nation's economic goals.
The governors' endorsement followed a meeting with the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy, which Tinubu described as “a model of cooperation between the federal and state governments.” According to the presidency, the dialogue underscored the importance of constructive engagement in resolving disagreements.
The president extended special thanks to Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, for rallying his colleagues to support the transformative bills aimed at rejuvenating Nigeria’s economy and improving its investment climate. He also recognized the Progressive Governors Forum, Northern Governors Forum, and other bipartisan groups for fostering consensus.
Addressing criticisms of the bills, particularly from some northern stakeholders, Tinubu emphasized their "pro-poor" design, which aims to promote national interests, enhance economic competitiveness, and attract both local and foreign investments. He stressed that modernizing Nigeria's outdated tax laws is a critical step in achieving these objectives.
“President Tinubu regards the governors as vital contributors to nation-building and remains committed to partnering with them to promote economic growth, harmony, peace, and stability,” Onanuga said.
The president also invited other stakeholders to present their ideas and suggestions for refining the bills, urging constructive engagement with the ongoing legislative process.
Tinubu called on the National Assembly to expedite the approval of these crucial bills, noting the urgency of implementing the reforms to unlock their economic benefits.
In October, Tinubu submitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly, including the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Tax Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill. One of the proposals involves repealing the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Act and replacing it with the Nigeria Revenue Service.
Although these proposals initially faced opposition, the recent collaboration between the federal government and the governors represents a promising step forward.
