Tinubu’s proposed tax revisions are supported by the Northern group.

The Northern Economic Development Forum has eased concerns raised by Northern governors over the new tax reform policies introduced by President Bola Tinubu, assuring that these reforms will benefit the northern region.

Northern governors initially opposed the Tax Reform Bills, urging the National Assembly to reject them, arguing that the reforms might not align with the North’s interests. However, the development forum expressed confidence in the reform’s potential benefits, stating that the proposed tax laws aim to modernize and improve Nigeria’s tax system without adverse effects.

President Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council recently introduced legislation to overhaul tax processes, unify revenue collection, and streamline financial obligations for both businesses and citizens.

The Northern Economic Development Forum emphasized the importance of thoroughly understanding the proposed bills before opposing them. They announced plans for a comprehensive awareness campaign across the 19 northern states to rally support for the Tax Reform Bills, asserting that the reforms will drive progress in the North and benefit the entire country.

In a statement signed by Dr. Mustapha Ibrahim Gusau, the forum explained critical elements of the four bills—the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, and Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act—highlighting that the reforms are intended to clear up misconceptions.

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The forum clarified that the new tax policies are not designed to increase the number of taxes but rather to optimize current tax systems without adding complexity. It also stressed that:

• The reforms will not raise existing tax rates but aim for fairer tax distribution without burdening Nigerians.
• The policies are expected to encourage job creation and economic growth rather than causing job losses.
• No department, agency, or ministry will lose its duties; the reforms seek to harmonize revenue collection for more effective financial management across the country.
• Small businesses and individual taxpayers will not face additional compliance requirements, as the reforms focus on simplifying tax processes, especially for SMEs.

The Forum highlighted that these bills will harmonize tax laws, enhance efficiency, modernize the tax system, and strengthen coordination among revenue agencies. They are also expected to foster transparency, align with international standards, and expand the tax base.

The forum called on Nigerians, particularly in the North, to support the reforms and avoid unnecessary alarm.