Governors pledge support for presidential tax reforms committee

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) says it will support the Taiwo Oyedele-led presidential tax reforms committee.

In July 2023, President Bola Tinubu approved the establishment of the committee and appointed Oyedele, a tax and fiscal policy expert, as its chairman.

The committee was inaugurated in August 2023.

In a communique issued after a meeting of the governors on Wednesday, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, NGF’s chair and governor of Kwara, said Oyedele briefed the forum on efforts to reform the country’s tax system.

AbdulRazaq said the chair of the presidential committee asked for inputs.

“Members received a briefing from Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee,” he said.

“He highlighted the progress made regarding the ongoing fiscal policy and tax reforms.

“He sought the input and support of their excellencies on a number of proposals which would directly impact the subnational level of government.

“Members pledged their support for the Committee to ensure the successful implementation of these reforms and to collaborate closely to address any challenges that may arise.”

The NGF chair said the governors also discussed demands for an increase in the minimum wage.

“The forum discussed the New National Minimum Wage,” he said.

“The governors agreed to continue engaging with key stakeholders to reach a mutually agreeable solution.

“We remain dedicated to the process and assure that better wages will result from the ongoing negotiations.”

The Kwara governor said they also received a briefing from Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, minister of women affairs, on the “World Bank–Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up”.

“Members noted the importance of the project and emphasized the need to implement it at the State level as initially conceived, as the States are the primary obligors of the project,” he said.

“The governors acknowledge the work and contributions of the Ministry of Women Affairs in promoting gender equality, empowering women, and advancing social development across Nigeria.”