APC Governors Meet Lawmakers Over Tax Reform Controversy
By Trek Africa Newspaper
Governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) are set to meet with members of the National Assembly to address concerns over contentious tax reform bills.
The planned meeting follows a Wednesday night session with President Bola Tinubu, key cabinet members, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas. Discussions centered on the tax bills and strategies to ensure their smooth passage in the legislature.
Trek Africa Newspaper reports that attendees included governors such as Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Mohammed Bago (Niger), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), and others, alongside cabinet members like Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman Zacch Adedeji and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Abubakar Bagudu.
A source from the Presidency revealed the meeting focused on explaining the benefits of the tax reforms to stakeholders and addressing concerns.
Addressing reporters, Uzodimma said the meeting also discussed the APC mid-term congress and strengthening the party. “We had a caucus meeting to manage our mid-term congress and support Mr. President to succeed,” he stated.
The federal government argues the reforms will shield small companies from taxes and tackle tax evasion. However, northern governors and lawmakers strongly oppose specific provisions, especially those related to Value Added Tax (VAT), claiming they disadvantage the region.
The 19 northern governors have called for certain VAT provisions to be removed and withheld their support.
APC governors are now engaging lawmakers and political stakeholders to address these objections. Another meeting is scheduled for Thursday night to foster consensus and secure the bills’ passage through the National Assembly.
