The Executive Director of Patriots for Advancement of Peace and Social Development, Dr. Sani Shinkafi, has criticized state governors opposing the federal government’s proposed tax reform bills, labeling them as “lazy” and unwilling to develop strategies for generating internal revenue.
Speaking in an interview with Arise News on Monday, December 2, 2024, Shinkafi argued that the resistance stems from the bills’ performance-based revenue-sharing mechanism.
“Because the monies are going to be shared based on performance and contribution, they are complaining,” Shinkafi said. “Most of these states are lazy and not ready to develop their states to generate revenue.”
The tax reform bills, introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, aim to streamline Nigeria’s tax system and improve revenue generation. However, the bills have sparked nationwide debate, with stakeholders voicing concerns about potential regional disparities and inadequate consultation.
South-South leader Chief Edwin Clark warned that the bills, if not properly handled, could create further divisions in the country.
“The issue of tax reform is serious. If not managed well, it will bring unnecessary problems,” Clark said. “There are issues like restructuring that must first be addressed. Are we allowing certain groups to dictate the tune?”
Clark also called for inclusivity in managing Nigeria’s diversity, stating, “No part of the country is better than others. Enough is enough.”
Abia North Senator Orji Kalu acknowledged the progressive nature of the bills but criticized the federal government for excluding key stakeholders from discussions.
“The Federal Government made a mistake by not consulting the National Economic Council, Governors’ Forum, and Council of State before introducing the bills,” Kalu said on Arise Television.
He clarified misconceptions about the potential use of Alpha-Beta, a consulting firm, in tax collection, saying, “One of my friends called me, saying the President wants to introduce Alpha-Beta like in Lagos. That is not the issue. We need to modernize our obsolete tax laws.”
Tinubu has championed the tax reform bills as a means to foster fiscal federalism and attract investment. However, opposition from various quarters underscores the challenges of balancing economic development with equity and inclusivity.
The Northern Youth Assembly has also criticized the bills, though Shinkafi dismissed their concerns as baseless.
“This resistance to reform is what keeps us stagnant,” Shinkafi asserted, emphasizing the urgency of implementing the reforms for national progress.
