Tax reform bills won’t undermine the north, says Abdulmumin Jibrin

Abdulmumin Jibrin, a member of the house of representatives from Kano state, says the tax reform bills won’t undermine the north.

Jibrin, a member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) representing Kiru/Bebeji federal constituency, spoke on Sunday when he featured on Sunday Politics, a programme on Channels Television.

BACKGROUND 

On October 3, President Bola Tinubu asked the national assembly to consider and pass four tax reform bills.

They include the Nigeria tax bill, the tax administration bill, and the joint revenue board establishment bill.

Tinubu also asked the parliament to repeal the law establishing the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and replace it with the Nigeria Revenue Service.

On October 28, the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) opposed the bills, saying the proposed legislations would harm the region’s interests.

The governors asked the national assembly to reject the bills, demanding equitable and fair implementation of national policies and programmes across all regions.

The national economic council (NEC) also asked Tinubu to withdraw the bills to give room for consultations.

On November 1, Tinubu said the bills will not be withdrawn from the national assembly, noting that the proposed laws were designed to improve the lives of Nigerians and optimise existing tax frameworks.

‘READ THE BILLS BEFORE PASSING JUDGEMENTS’

Jibrin said lawmakers and stakeholders should read the bills before passing their judgements.

“There is a crisis of perception here. People hear ‘tax reform’ and immediately assume it will negatively impact them without ever taking the time actually to review the details of the bill,” he said.

“Many of the critics haven’t even looked at the bill closely. President Tinubu is seen as a tax and revenue-focused person and because of that, when you hear discussions about the bill, people jump to conclusions.

“I urge everyone, including lawmakers, the media, and the public, to engage with the actual content of the bill before making judgements.

“It is easy to assume but if you look at the bill, you will see that it is not about imposing new taxes on the common man. Instead, it addresses systemic issues and proposes reforms that benefit the broader society.

“These buffers are important in safeguarding the interests of the northern region. They ensure that, even as the tax system is reformed, the north will not face any adverse consequences.”

He called for a long-term perspective on the tax reform, highlighting its potential to create a more sustainable and equitable future.

“It is important for us to understand that these measures are specifically aimed at protecting our region while we engage in this necessary reform.

“The reform is not just about addressing immediate concerns, it is about setting a solid foundation for long-term growth. We have to look beyond now and understand that the adjustments being made are necessary for a more sustainable and equitable future.

“If we approach this with a unified mindset, we can create a tax system that truly benefits all Nigerians, regardless of their region or income.

“The north has untapped potential, with our land, population, and consumption power. This bill presents a chance to strengthen our economic autonomy.

“While the process is still in its early stages, I encourage a collaborative approach, assuring northerners that this reform is intended to benefit all regions, not to undermine any.”

The lawmaker added that legislative process allows thorough debates, adding that the parliament will make necessary adjustments to ensure the “outcome is a fair and balanced tax policy for everyone”.