Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State says there is no need for President Bola Tinubu to withdraw the Tax Reform Bill as being canvassed by some persons and groups from the North.
Sule who spoke on Monday during an interview on Arise TV assured that concerns raised by Northern governors, legislators, and traditional rulers over the Tax Reform Bill are being addressed.
Sule explained that earlier objections to the bill were based on misunderstandings about its provisions, particularly the allocation of Value Added Tax (VAT).
Governor Sule revealed that a meeting held in Kaduna, where Northern stakeholders rejected the bill, was informed by an initial document suggesting a 60% VAT allocation that appeared biased against the North.
However, he clarified that the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform, Taiwo Oyedele, has since addressed these concerns, explaining that the 60% clause pertains to revenue sharing between the point of generation and the point of consumption, rather than favoring one region over another.
“During the Kaduna meeting, we were informed that 60% of VAT would be allocated based on the point of generation, which seemed unfair.
“But Mr. Oyedele clarified that this was a misunderstanding. The revenue will be shared between the point of generation and consumption,” Sule stated.
Sule emphasized that while there were initial calls to withdraw the bill, ongoing amendments are addressing the concerns of Nigerians, making withdrawal unnecessary.
“What we wanted to happen is already happening—the bill is being discussed and amended to accommodate our concerns.
“If these changes align with our requests, there will be no need to withdraw the bill,” he explained.
The governor criticized the growing public debate surrounding the bill, stating that many critics lack a proper understanding of VAT and the bill’s provisions.
According to Sule, some criticisms are driven by ulterior motives, including monetary incentives.
“Unfortunately, the debate has gone into the wrong hands. Many people involved have zero knowledge of how VAT is generated or the specifics of the bill.
“Some are criticizing just to save or secure jobs, while others are doing it for personal gain,” he remarked.
Governor Sule reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to addressing all valid concerns about the bill.
He also highlighted the willingness of the bill’s architects, including Taiwo Oyedele and Zach Adedeji, to engage with stakeholders and make necessary adjustments.
“In our last meeting with the President, he assured us that the bill will be reviewed to address areas of concern.
“Both Taiwo Oyedele and Zach Adedeji have openly stated their willingness to revisit the contentious areas,” Sule affirmed.
Sule expressed confidence that the revised provisions of the bill now adequately address the Northern region’s concerns, particularly on VAT distribution.
He also emphasized that the collaborative approach between the government and stakeholders ensures that the final bill will be equitable and inclusive.
With ongoing discussions and amendments, the Tax Reform Bill is shaping up to address regional concerns while advancing Nigeria’s fiscal policy objectives.
Governor Sule’s remarks underline the importance of informed debate and constructive engagement in addressing policy challenges.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
