National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The National Economic Council (NEC) urged President Bola Tinubu on Thursday to withdraw the proposed tax reform bills from the National Assembly, advocating for wider consultation and consensus-building.
The decision was part of the resolutions reached at NEC’s 144th meeting, held at the State House in Abuja.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, speaking to journalists, emphasized the importance of fostering a collective understanding and alignment on the proposed tax reforms.
He explained, “NEC noted the need for sufficient alignment on the proposed reforms and recommended the withdrawal of the tax reform bills.”
He added that this decision was made to benefit the country and highlighted the need for extensive dialogue.
The Federal Government’s tax reform bills, aimed at streamlining Nigeria’s tax administration and increasing efficiency, were previously approved by President Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council.
However, the bills have sparked opposition, particularly among Northern Governors, who, at a recent forum, voiced concerns that the proposed changes could undermine the interests of Northern states.
The NEC’s call for a pause in the legislative process comes after the Northern Governors’ Forum, led by Gombe State Governor Muhammed Yahaya, expressed concerns over the bills’ derivation-based model for Value-Added Tax distribution, arguing it does not favor the North or other regions.
As the discussions continue, NEC has underscored the importance of broader national dialogue to ensure a balanced approach to the reforms.
