House of Representatives Suspends Debate on Tax Reform Bills Amid Northern Opposition
The House of Representatives has indefinitely suspended the planned debate on the Tax Reform Bills, initially set for Tuesday, December 3, 2024, following mounting opposition from northern governors and lawmakers.
The postponement was announced in a memo signed by the Clerk of the House, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, which cited the need for further consultations with relevant stakeholders before proceeding with the debate. A total of 73 northern lawmakers, including members from the North-East and Kano, have expressed strong opposition to the bills, citing concerns that they could disproportionately harm the northern region.
The northern lawmakers, particularly from the Northeast, have raised alarm about the negative impacts of the tax reforms, which they argue could exacerbate regional economic disparities.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State and other northern leaders have voiced opposition to the rush to pass the bills, calling for more time to review and consult with stakeholders. Zulum specifically criticized the timing of the reforms, emphasizing that the country is already grappling with significant economic challenges, such as the devaluation of the naira and the removal of fuel subsidies. He argued that the bills could worsen the hardships faced by Nigerians, particularly those in the northern regions.
Amid this resistance, lawmakers from Kano and other northern states have also rejected the bills, with some even accusing the government of rushing through legislation that could ultimately benefit only a few states, particularly Lagos. While some members of the ruling APC, such as Philip Agbese and Babajimi Benson, have been lobbying in support of the bills, citing their potential benefits for small businesses and the broader economy, the intense pushback from northern leaders has resulted in the postponement of the debate.
On the other hand, groups like Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, have expressed support for the tax reforms, highlighting the potential economic benefits for all regions, including the north. They argue that the bills could help stimulate the Nigerian economy by improving revenue generation and infrastructure funding. Meanwhile, the APC has called for a greater understanding of the bills, emphasizing that the National Assembly, not the President alone, will determine their fate. The ongoing debate reflects the complex regional and economic tensions surrounding the proposed reforms.
