Lawmaker dismisses Governor Zulum’s concerns on tax reform impact

Hon. Abdulmumini Jibrin, representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has dismissed Governor Babagana Zulum’s concerns regarding the new tax reform bill, urging the Borno State governor to adopt greater transparency in addressing the state’s fiscal situation.

Speaking in a recent interview, Jibrin called on Zulum to publicly disclose Borno State’s current revenue allocation and the projected figures post-reform.

According to him, such transparency would enable residents to better understand the implications of the tax reform and clarify any misconceptions.

Jibrin also highlighted the role of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), which allocates 3% of its funds to the six states in the region. He revealed that Borno State recently received a significant N19 billion allocation from the commission.

Furthermore, the lawmaker drew attention to the Equalization Fund, which supports states with lower revenue generation. He noted that N350 billion has been allocated to the fund, and Borno State stands to benefit from it.

Governor Zulum had earlier raised alarms about the tax reform bill, warning that it could impair the state’s ability to meet its salary obligations. He had called on Northern governors and citizens to oppose the proposed legislation.

Jibrin, however, urged a more collaborative approach, advising Zulum to engage in dialogue with other states to address challenges posed by the reform. “Working together will yield more constructive solutions than rejection,” he stated.