President Bola Tinubu has commended Nigerian governors for their unanimous support of the four Tax Reform Bills currently before the National Assembly. In a statement, President Tinubu praised the governors for their “bold leadership and commitment to fostering unity among leaders nationwide”.
The President specifically acknowledged the role of Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, in galvanizing support for the tax bills. He also commended the Progressive Governors Forum, the Northern Governors Forum, and other groups that contributed to the bipartisan resolution of the controversy surrounding the tax bills.
According to President Tinubu, the primary aim of the Tax Reform Bills is to “promote national interests, improve the competitiveness of Nigeria’s economy, and attract both local and foreign investments.” He emphasized that updating the country’s outdated tax laws is essential to achieving these goals.
The President noted that the Tax Reform Bills are “pro-poor” and designed to benefit all Nigerians. He expressed his commitment to partnering with the governors to promote economic growth, national harmony, peace, and stability.
President Tinubu also encouraged other stakeholders to contribute to the ongoing legislative process, saying, “I urge other stakeholders with ideas and suggestions for refining the Tax Bills to engage with the National Assembly”. He emphasized that constructive conversation and dialogue are essential to resolving differences and achieving national goals.
The President concluded by urging the National Assembly to expedite the legislative process, stating, “I call on the National Assembly to hasten the passage of these crucial bills so that our nation can quickly reap the benefits of these reforms”.
The statement was issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), on January 17, 2025.