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Tinubu’s Tax Reforms: A Threat to Northern Prosperity? Gov Zulum Sounds the Alarm"

By Achimi muktar 

In a fiery critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposed tax reforms, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has declared that the bills, if passed, will spell disaster for the northern region and beyond. Speaking candidly during an interview with BBC Hausa, Zulum outlined the dangers he believes the legislation poses, not only to the north but also to parts of the southeast and southwest.

The Controversial Tax Bills
At the heart of the controversy is a proposed shift to prioritize the location of consumption as the basis for sharing Value Added Tax (VAT). This change, northern stakeholders argue, disproportionately disadvantages regions with lower consumption metrics, tilting the balance in favor of areas with higher economic activities.

Zulum, alongside a coalition of northern governors, traditional leaders, and the Northern Elders Forum, has vehemently opposed the reforms. The backlash reached a boiling point on Thursday when the Senate passed the bills for a second reading, amid rowdy deliberations.

"A Rush That Could Ruin Us"
The speed at which the bills are progressing has further fueled suspicions. “Why the rush?” Zulum questioned. “A petroleum bill took almost 20 years to pass, but this one is receiving legislative attention within a week. Such haste risks undermining the future of our children.”

The governor fears the reforms could cripple the region's ability to sustain basic governance. “If these bills scale through, we will not even be able to pay salaries. And if we did, it wouldn’t be sustainable,” he warned.

Implications for Security and Poverty
When pressed on whether the reforms could exacerbate hunger, poverty, and insecurity in the north, Zulum affirmed the grim outlook. “Including security,” he emphasized, adding that similar challenges might arise in other states, including Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo.

Zulum also addressed rumors that lawmakers may be influenced by lobbyists and kickbacks. “There are rumors, but nothing is certain,” he said. “However, in Nigeria, anything is possible. What we need now is patriotism and a focus on long-term national interest.”

Not an Opposition, But a Plea
Clarifying his stance, Zulum stressed that his objections were not a declaration of opposition to Tinubu’s administration. “This is not about opposing the government,” he said. “We supported and voted for President Tinubu, but these bills will not benefit us. We are appealing to him to review this decision in the interest of fairness.”

The governor’s remarks highlight a growing rift over Tinubu’s tax reforms, raising questions about the balance of economic policies and regional equity. As tensions mount, all eyes are on the administration to see whether it will heed the calls for a review or push forward, risking further discontent across the nation.