Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has voiced strong opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s proposed Tax Reform Bills, arguing that the reforms would disproportionately benefit Lagos State while creating disadvantages for other regions, including the North, South-East, South-South, and parts of the South-West.
In an interview with BBC News Hausa, Zulum explained that states such as Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo would face challenges under the proposed reforms. While acknowledging that some critics claim the reforms could disadvantage Lagos, Zulum clarified that no one wants to see Lagos suffer but emphasized the need for a balanced approach that benefits all states equally.
The governor further urged Tinubu to reconsider the reforms, noting that the President received significant support from the North during the last election, securing about 60% of the votes in the region. Zulum dismissed claims that the northern population does not back Tinubu and suggested the President should withdraw the bills to prevent regional disparities.
This opposition arises as the Senate moves forward with the reforms, advancing the bills to a second reading despite mounting controversies. Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele led the debate that saw the bills progress amid sharp criticism from various quarters.
The proposed tax reforms have sparked a national debate about equity and resource allocation, with northern stakeholders and others raising concerns about potential regional disparities.