Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has voiced strong opposition to the tax reform bills currently under consideration in the National Assembly, asserting that only Lagos State will benefit from these proposed changes.
Zulum, who served as a key supporter of President Bola Tinubu during his election campaign, emphasized that the reforms would primarily disadvantage northern states.
Governor Zulum has emerged as a vocal critic of the reforms, highlighting the potential for economic harm to northern Nigeria and other regions. Speaking on Channels TV on Sunday, Zulum reiterated his commitment to democracy and his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC), while emphasizing the need for broader consultations before implementing such significant policy changes.
“I am a strong member of the APC and have been a consistent supporter of President Tinubu,” Zulum said. “However, democracy demands consultation. These tax reforms have not been adequately discussed with key stakeholders, and this could lead to widespread economic inequity.”
According to Zulum, preliminary analyses suggest that Lagos would be the primary beneficiary of the reforms, leaving much of the North, Southeast, South-South, and parts of the Southwest at an economic disadvantage. He further disclosed that even Lagos State officials had expressed concerns about the reforms potentially leading to revenue losses for the state.
Zulum highlighted the need for patience and thorough examination, stating, “Why are we rushing this? Let us pause and engage in deeper consultations to ensure these policies are inclusive and beneficial to all regions. This is central to a functioning democracy.”
The governor also addressed misconceptions that his position reflects a broader opposition to the president, clarifying that his concerns are rooted in ensuring equitable governance. “This is not about being against the president. It’s about asking for fairness and time to understand the implications of these reforms for every Nigerian state,” he explained.
Zulum’s comments come amid tensions over Tinubu’s reform agenda, with northern leaders warning of potential political consequences in the 2027 elections if the reforms proceed without regional buy-in. As debates continue, Zulum’s stance underscores the growing demand for transparency and consultation in Nigeria’s policymaking process.
