The tax reform bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu have ignited widespread anger in Northern Nigeria, with various regional groups and clerics demanding that they be halted. The four bills—Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (SB.583), Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (SB.584), Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024 (SB.585), and Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024 (SB.586)—have already passed their second reading in the Senate, despite significant opposition.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

During Friday’s Jumm’at prayers, clerics, including Professor Mansur Ibrahim from Sokoto State, strongly condemned the bills, accusing the Federal Government of secrecy. He praised lawmakers like Senator Ali Ndume (APC-Borno South) for opposing the bills, while criticizing others who supported what he called harmful legislation.

Presented by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, the bills passed their second reading on Thursday under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The move came a day after Taiwo Oyedele, chair of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, briefed the Senate on the bills’ objectives. However, many northern lawmakers, including Ndume, remain unconvinced, citing hidden motives behind the bills and urging caution.

The bills have now been referred to the Senate Committee on Finance for further review, chaired by Sani Musa (APC-Niger State). Despite this, northern groups and critics are calling for an immediate suspension of the process, arguing that the bills lack sufficient consultation and understanding.

Ibrahim criticized the rush to pass the bills, saying, “Enacting a law is a long process that involves consultation, debate, and public hearings. But in this case, they are using force to push it through quickly.” He also accused President Tinubu of being out of touch with the economic struggles of Nigerians, particularly regarding the potential impact on VAT and cash circulation. Ibrahim claimed that Lagos would benefit disproportionately from the reforms, while other states, especially those in the north, would suffer.

“We urge the president to suspend the bills in line with the National Economic Council’s recommendations,” Ibrahim said, adding that lawmakers like Senator Ali Ndume should be commended for standing up against the bills. He also warned other lawmakers supporting the bills that they risk betraying their constituents.

The president of the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN), Bashir Umar, also expressed concerns, noting that his group had met with the deputy senate president and sought a meeting with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas. Umar reported that the lawmakers had promised to address the group’s concerns.

In response, Senator Babangida Hussaini of Jigawa Northwest district downplayed the controversy, emphasizing that the passage of the bills’ second reading is just an initial step. He reassured the public that during the public hearing stage, all stakeholders, including the House Committee on Finance, would have the opportunity to provide input. He added that northern senators were actively addressing the situation and would ensure that the bills, if passed, would not harm their

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