Why Governors Requested Additional discussions On Tax Bills

Why Governors Requested Additional discussions On Tax Bills

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde stated on Sunday that the 36 state governors have called for more extensive consultations regarding President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills, emphasizing the need for nationwide engagement given the significant implications of the proposed reforms…READ MORE…

Makinde clarified that he does not oppose the tax reforms but is merely voicing the concerns raised by the governors.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the governor made these remarks during a media engagement with the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State on Saturday.

On October 3, 2024, President Bola Tinubu submitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly: the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.

These bills have sparked significant debate, with numerous stakeholders opposing certain provisions put forth by the government.

During the media briefing, Makinde outlined the National Economic Council’s consensus regarding the bills, indicating that the NEC unanimously agreed that the bills should be withdrawn from the National Assembly to facilitate broader consultations.

“At the NEC meeting, we inquired about the status of the bills from the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force, who confirmed they were already in the National Assembly,” Makinde explained. “I asked, ‘If that’s the case, why are you only now seeking our approval?’ It seems like putting the cart before the horse.”

He added, “We concurred that the bills should be withdrawn, allowing for wider consultations with stakeholders. This could foster alignment, whether in their original form or with necessary modifications based on stakeholder input.”

Responding to criticisms suggesting he is against the reforms, Makinde said, “I was asked to clarify our decision to withdraw the bills for further consultation, but some individuals chose to focus on me rather than the message.”

Reflecting on the tragic funfair incident in Ibadan that claimed the lives of 35 children on December 18, 2024, Makinde described it as a significant loss. He emphasized that this event, along with the Bodija explosion in January 2024, could have been prevented with proper precautions.

The Bodija explosion resulted in five fatalities, 77 injuries, and damage to 58 houses, reportedly caused by improperly stored explosives from illegal miners.

Almost a year later, the crowd crush at the Islamic High School in Basorun, Ibadan, during a funfair organized by the former queen of the Ooni of Ife, resulted in 35 child fatalities and six critical injuries.

During his media chat, Makinde observed a moment of silence for the victims and assured the public that legal proceedings are progressing, albeit slowly.

In response to allegations of land grabbing related to the Circular Road project, Makinde stated that his administration is taking decisive actions to overcome the limitations faced by previous governments in fostering economic growth.

“Some have called me a land grabber,” he remarked. “Ironically, those being investigated for land grabbing are the very ones making these claims. The Circular Road represents more than just another roadway; it will be Nigeria’s first motorway. Spanning 32 kilometers from Technical University to Badeku, it will feature only two exit points to ensure structured development along its corridor.”

Makinde stressed his administration’s commitment to initiatives that would benefit residents, even if they might seem harsh in the short term.

“To eradicate poverty, we must seize opportunities for sustainable impact. Our state’s founding vision is one of prosperity rather than poverty,” he said.

Looking ahead, Makinde promised a comprehensive overhaul of Oyo State’s education infrastructure in 2025, noting that his government has consistently surpassed the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization’s guidelines for educational budget allocations.

“We have reallocated resources to prioritize education, recognizing its critical role in our development,” he explained, acknowledging that, despite significant investment, substantial work remains, estimating that N60 billion is needed to address the sector’s challenges.

“I am pleased with our progress in tertiary institutions,” he concluded.

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