Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has criticized the proposed tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly, describing them as skewed to favor certain regions at the expense of others.
Speaking on Thursday while hosting the Christian community in Bauchi, Governor Mohammed urged President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the tax policy reforms, warning that they could lead to widespread unrest.
According to the governor, the proposed reforms place an undue burden on Northern states, leaving them financially handicapped and unable to meet basic obligations such as paying salaries.
“This tax reform is not a good policy for northern Nigeria because we will not have enough revenue to pay salaries,” Mohammed, who also chairs the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, said. “They must listen to us, or they risk calling for anarchy. That is not what we want.”
He further emphasized the need for policies that promote national unity rather than favoring one region over others. “It’s not about religion or tribe; it’s about good leadership and the unity of our country. If this situation persists, we will have no choice but to fight for what is right,” he added.
President Bola Tinubu, however, has remained firm on the necessity of the tax reforms. During a recent media address, he defended the initiative as a pro-poor measure aimed at broadening the tax base and ensuring equitable contributions.
“The tax reform is here to stay. It’s designed to widen the tax net so that more people contribute, creating a fairer system,” Tinubu said. He acknowledged the controversies surrounding the bills but maintained that leadership requires making tough but necessary decisions.
In response to the growing opposition, including pushback from Northern leaders, Tinubu expressed openness to dialogue. “Tax matters are subjects of debate and negotiation. I am willing to make adjustments where necessary,” he stated.
The ongoing debates highlight the tension between national fiscal policies and regional economic disparities, with stakeholders urging for balanced reforms to ensure equity and sustainability.
