President Bola Tinubu has praised the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) for unanimously supporting the controversial Tax Reform Bills, calling their decision a “bold” step towards national development.
In a statement on Friday, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga conveyed Tinubu’s appreciation for the governors’ endorsement of the four bills currently under review by the National Assembly.
“President Tinubu lauds the governors for their bold leadership and commitment to fostering unity among leaders nationwide, transcending regional, ethnic, and political barriers to advance Nigeria’s development,” the statement read.
The governors’ support followed their meeting with the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy, which the presidency described as a model of federal-state collaboration.
Tinubu specifically commended the NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, for rallying bipartisan support.
He also acknowledged the Progressive Governors Forum and Northern Governors Forum for their role in resolving opposition to the bills.
Defending the reforms, Tinubu emphasised that the bills are “pro-poor,” designed to strengthen Nigeria’s economy, attract investment, and modernise outdated tax laws.
He urged the National Assembly to fast-track the passage of the bills and invited stakeholders to contribute ideas to improve the reforms.
The four bills include the Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Tax Bill, Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, and a proposal to replace the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) with the Nigeria Revenue Service.
The reforms had faced resistance, particularly from the northern region, prompting the National Assembly to delay proceedings for further consultations.