‘Why the Rush?’: Zulum queries tax reform bill, warns of devastating effect on North

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has questioned the speedy passage of the Tax Reform Bill, warning that it could have devastating consequences for the northern region and other parts of the country.

The Senate, on Thursday, passed for a second reading the tax reform bills forwarded to it by President Bola Tinubu in October 2024.

Governor Zulum, in an interview with BBC Hausa, questioned the bill’s quick passage through the legislative process, asking, “Why the rush?”

Zulum contrasted the bill’s quick passage with the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), stating that the latter took “almost 20 years before it was finally passed.”

“Why the rush? The Petroleum Industry Bill took almost 20 years before it was finally passed. But this tax reform bill is being transmitted and receiving legislative attention within a week,” Zulum questioned.

Zulum also predicted that the bill would cripple the economies of northern states, limiting their ability to implement development projects and pay salaries.

He added that tax reform bills “should be treated carefully and with caution so that even after our exit, our children will reap its benefits.”

The governor, however, stated that he condemned these bills sent to the National Assembly, noting that “it will drag the North backwards and also affect the South-East and some South-Western states like Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, and Ondo.”

“This is not opposition. Based on our understanding, this bill will destroy the North entirely. We call on President Tinubu to review this decision. He secured 60 per cent of his votes from the North. He should not listen to those telling him the North is not supporting him. What we need is the withdrawal of these tax bills.”