Kano Senators, Reps Members Turn Back Against Tax Reform Bills

By Ayodele Oni

Opposition to the four tax bills before the national assembly, has continued to rise despite scaling first and second readings in the Senate as senators and members of the green chamber from Kano State opposed the controversial Tax Reform Bills.

The decision was reached during a state caucus meeting chaired by the State Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, and attended by most of the state’s representatives.

Idris Dankawu, the member representing Kumbotso Federal Constituency, stated, “To clarify this issue, I want to inform the people of Kano State, especially the residents of Kumbotso Federal Constituency, that based on the outcome of our meeting, we are against the proposed Tax Reform Bill.

“We have agreed to work collectively to ensure that the bill is withdrawn in the overall interest of the people of Kano State.

“Let me reassure the good people of Kumbotso Federal Constituency that your views, opinions, and yearnings will continue to receive my utmost attention and care.”

The lawmakers are actively working to challenge the bill, citing its potential negative impacts on residents of Kano State.

The four bills, transmitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu on September 3, have sparked widespread controversy and strong opposition.

These bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.

Critics, including the Northern Governors Forum, the Traditional Rulers Council, the National Economic Council, and the Northern Elders Forum, have raised serious concerns about the bills.

The National Economic Council, comprising the vice president and governors, has advised the president to withdraw the bills for further consultations. The governors argue that some clauses in the bills are detrimental to the northern region.