Northern Governors’ tax bill concerns resolved, says Gov Sule

By Kunle Sanni

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has stated that the earlier calls by some northern governors for the withdrawal of tax amendment bills before the National Assembly may no longer be necessary.

He attributed this shift to clarifications and assurances provided by key stakeholders.

Speaking on Arise Television yesterday, Governor Sule noted that engagements with President Bola Tinubu and Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform, have addressed the concerns raised regarding contentious aspects of the proposed legislation.

One of the major issues resolved during these discussions, according to Sule, was the proposed amendment to the Value Added Tax (VAT) system. Initial concerns arose from a perception that VAT revenue would be distributed solely based on the point of generation. However, Oyedele’s committee clarified that VAT sharing would also include points of consumption, easing fears of revenue inequity among states.

Progress Through Dialogue

Governor Sule emphasized that ongoing dialogues among Oyedele’s committee, state governors, and traditional rulers have already yielded positive outcomes.

“We have seen progress. What we wanted—discussions and amendments to address our concerns—is happening. There is no need to insist on the withdrawal of the bills when these issues can be resolved through adjustments,” he said.

He commended President Tinubu for being open to amendments instead of outright withdrawal of the bills, adding that both the president and Oyedele’s team had demonstrated a commitment to addressing lingering concerns.

Concerns Over Public Debate

The governor also expressed disappointment over the nature of the public debate surrounding the tax reform bills, describing it as unproductive due to the involvement of individuals with limited understanding of the issues.

“The debate has unfortunately been taken over by people who lack knowledge of VAT or the proposed reforms. Some are doing this for personal gain, which has made the conversation unproductive,” he stated.

Sule, who also serves as Chairman of the North Central Governors Forum, reiterated that the initial concerns raised by northern governors were legitimate and aimed at ensuring fairness in revenue allocation.