Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has shed more light on why the 36 state governors are demanding wider consultation on President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills.
According to Makinde, governors intend to ensure that the entire nation is carried along, given the far-reaching implications of the reforms.
Makinde, who spoke during a media chat on the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State on Saturday, clarified that he is not opposed to the tax reforms. Instead, he presented the reservations raised by the governors to the press. The governor explained that the National Economic Council (NEC) unanimously agreed that the bills should be withdrawn from the National Assembly to allow for wider consultation.
“We asked the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force about the status of the bills, and he confirmed they were already at the National Assembly,” Makinde said. “I asked, ‘If that’s the case, why are you just coming to us for approval?’ It amounted to putting the cart before the horse.”
The tax reform bills, which were transmitted to the National Assembly on October 3, 2024, have sparked controversy. Many stakeholders are opposing certain sections proposed by the government. The bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.
Makinde noted that the NEC agreed that the bills should be withdrawn to enable broader consultations with stakeholders. This, he said, could lead to alignment, whether in their original form or with necessary adjustments based on stakeholder feedback.
Addressing criticisms that he was opposed to the reforms, Makinde stated: “I was asked to explain our decision to withdraw the bills for consultation, but some people chose to focus on the messenger rather than the message.”
Meanwhile, Makinde described the Ibadan funfair tragedy, which claimed the lives of 35 children, as a monumental loss. He noted that the incident, alongside the Bodija explosion in January 2024, could have been avoided if appropriate measures had been taken.
The governor observed a minute of silence for the victims during the media chat and assured the public that the legal process was ongoing, though slow.