Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has expressed concern that President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax policies will not benefit Northern Nigeria.
Speaking during a visit from the Christian community at the Government House, Mohammed, who also serves as the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum, criticized the tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly, stating they primarily benefit the southern region.
He referenced President Tinubu’s recent comments during his first Presidential Media Chat, where the President defended the tax reform bills, emphasizing their importance for reshaping Nigeria’s economy. However, Mohammed argued that the tax reforms would not generate sufficient revenue for Northern Nigeria to meet its essential needs, such as paying salaries or building infrastructure like roads.
Bala Mohammed stated, “That is why the presidency must listen to the cries about tax reform,” highlighting that the reforms could have a detrimental impact on the north. He emphasized that the northern states would be unable to fund crucial developments with the proposed tax policies. “It is not a good policy for northern Nigeria because we are not going to get money to pay your salaries or to do roads,” he added.
The Governor further warned, “They must listen; otherwise, they are calling for anarchy. And that is not good,” stressing the need for national unity and inclusive policies. He reiterated that the policies should not favor a particular region or state, stressing that governance should focus on the greater good of the entire country. “We voted for the presidency in this state and other states; they must listen to us,” he said, calling for leadership that promotes national unity over division.
The tax reforms have already been rejected by Northern governors and the National Economic Council.
