By Adamkolo Mohammed Ibrahim
The Truth Behind Nigeria’s Controversial Tax Reform Bill
Professor Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, recently claimed that 90% of Nigerians support the contentious tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly. This claim is not only misleading but also contradicts the palpable opposition across various sectors of the country. As a university lecturer, researcher, public policy critic, and advocate of public accountability, I find it imperative to refute these unfounded assertions with facts and context.
Professor Oyedele and his team have lauded the proposed tax reform bill as a transformative framework, but it has sparked nationwide outrage, including on social media platforms. Far from the purported overwhelming support, the bill faces staunch opposition from key stakeholders across Nigeria, particularly in the 19 states in northern Nigeria. Among those voicing their discontent are the 19 northern governors, traditional rulers such as emirs, religious organisations, youth groups, business associations, and a myriad of concerned citizens, both in real life and on social media platforms.
Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, who also chairs the National Economic Council (NEC), offered a particularly significant perspective. In alignment with the collective stance of northern governors (drawing from his deep understanding of the region as a proud son of the northeast of Nigeria) and other national stakeholders, he emphasised the importance of ensuring inclusivity and fairness in the proposed tax reform process.
The Vice President firmly advised against submitting the bill to the National Assembly without wider consultations. During one of NEC’s monthly sessions, a unanimous decision was reached: the bill should be halted to ensure no region or demographic is marginalised in our democratic process. Despite this well-articulated stance, the President disregarded this advice and pushed ahead with the submission of the bill. This move has understandably deepened mistrust and resentment.
Critics argue that the tax reform bill is structured to disproportionately benefit Lagos State to the detriment of 35 other states and the Federal Capital Territory. For northern governors, this directly threatens their ability to sustain basic governance functions, including the payment of salaries and provision of essential services. Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State is one of the most vocal opponents, warning that the bill if passed, would cripple northern states economically.
Such criticisms are not baseless. Deep inequalities mark Nigeria’s economic landscape, and any policy perceived to exacerbate these disparities inevitably meets with resistance. The tax reform bill appears to reinforce these fears, offering no clear mechanisms to balance its purported benefits with the realities of Nigeria’s diverse socio-economic terrain.
Questionable Survey Claims
Professor Oyedele’s assertion of a 90% approval rating for the bill demands rigorous scrutiny. According to his statement, the survey involved over 3,000 participants, a mix of online and offline respondents, with approval rates ranging from 76% among passive readers to 100% among in-person attendees. These figures raise more questions than they answer.
Who exactly were the survey respondents? What methodology was employed? How representative was the sample of Nigeria’s diverse population? What strategies were used for data collection and analysis? These critical details remain conspicuously absent, leaving the legitimacy of the survey in serious doubt.
Nigerians deserve transparency in policymaking. If this survey indeed reflects national sentiment, Professor Oyedele and his committee should publish the raw data, methodology, and results for independent verification. If they have not done so, this can only be interpreted as an attempt to mislead the public using propagandistic executive intimidation and push through an agenda that lacks popular support.
The Case for Wider Consultation
The NEC’s earlier recommendation to halt the bill and engage in broader consultations was wise and democratic. Policymaking in a pluralistic society like Nigeria requires inclusivity, transparency, and sensitivity to regional and socio-economic disparities. By bypassing these principles, the federal government risks deepening the divisions that have long plagued the nation.
Wider consultation is not just a procedural formality but a necessity. It allows for the incorporation of diverse perspectives, ensuring that no part of the country feels short-changed. Given the widespread criticism of the bill, particularly from regions like the North that stand to lose the most, the government’s failure to heed this advice represents a glaring lapse in leadership.
Furthermore, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy direction, particularly concerning the contentious tax reform bill, raises critical questions about his government’s approach to governance and inclusivity, especially regarding the northern region of Nigeria. It is a region that not only demonstrated overwhelming support for his candidacy in the 2023 general election but also provided the majority of the votes that secured his presidency.
In the 2023 presidential election, President Tinubu garnered a significant 8,794,726 votes, with the northern region contributing the bulk of this figure. Northern voters cast over 4.9 million votes — approximately 55.7% of his total votes — in his favour. These numbers highlight the region’s decisive role in his electoral victory. Yet, it is disheartening to observe the implementation of policies that appear inimical to the socio-economic interests of this same region.
The adage “do not bite the finger that feeds you” is not only a moral maxim but a practical guide for leadership in a diverse democracy like Nigeria. Unfortunately, recent government actions, particularly the insistence on the controversial tax reform bill, seem to disregard this wisdom. The northern region, often referred to as the agricultural and cultural heartland of the nation, stands to bear the brunt of these policies. Stakeholders, including northern governors, traditional rulers, and socio-political groups, have consistently voiced their opposition, warning that the bill could exacerbate regional inequities and economic hardships.
Rather than recognising and addressing these legitimate concerns, the administration appears determined to forge ahead. This approach not only undermines the trust of a region that played a pivotal role in President Tinubu’s electoral success but also risks alienating key stakeholders whose support is crucial for national stability. It is worth noting that governance is a reciprocal relationship; the trust and support of the people should be met with policies that prioritise their welfare and reflect their collective aspirations.
Every action or inaction in politics has consequences, and the grievances of the northern region should not be underestimated. Leaders must remember that political capital is not an endless resource; it must be replenished through equitable and inclusive governance. President Tinubu’s administration must demonstrate its commitment to Nigeria’s unity and progress by re-evaluating policies that could harm the very citizens whose votes propelled him to power.
The northern region’s contribution to President Tinubu’s mandate was not a token gesture but a profound expression of trust and hope in his leadership. To erode that trust through policies perceived as neglectful or exploitative is to undermine the very foundation of the democratic pact. As the government moves forward, it must prioritise consultation, transparency, and equity to ensure that all regions of the country, especially the North, feel represented and valued. Anything less would not only be a betrayal of the region’s support but a potential threat to the unity and stability of the nation.
The Way Forward
To restore public trust and ensure equitable governance, the Federal Government must take the following steps:
- Publish the Survey Data: Nigerians have the right to scrutinise the data underpinning claims of popular support for the bill. Transparency is non-negotiable.
- Engage Stakeholders: Governors, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations, business associations, students, and other demographics must be actively involved in refining the bill. Their insights are crucial for crafting a policy that benefits all Nigerians.
- Reassess the Bill: The tax reform must be revisited to address its perceived regional biases. Mechanisms should be introduced to ensure that no state or region is disproportionately disadvantaged.
- Strengthen Regional Equity: Any reform should prioritise clear, open, transparent, unambiguous, and sincere equitable distribution of resources and revenue, balancing the needs of economically vibrant states like Lagos with those of less developed regions.
- Promote Public Dialogue: The government should organise town hall meetings and public forums across all geopolitical zones to educate citizens about the bill and solicit their input. Relying solely on the National Assembly’s public hearings will not be sufficient to ensure broad-based participation and understanding.
Therefore, the claim that 90% of Nigerians support the tax reform bill distorts reality. The widespread opposition from across Nigeria, including key voices in northern governance, traditional institutions, and civil society, underscores the contentious nature of this legislation. Rather than pushing ahead with a deeply flawed policy, the Federal Government must prioritise inclusivity, transparency, and equity in its approach to fiscal reform.
Cherry-picked survey results, lofty rhetoric, or political propaganda will not silence Nigerians. Democracy thrives on accountability, and the people deserve nothing less than policies that genuinely reflect their collective will and serve their common good. Professor Oyedele and his committee must heed this call, for the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process and the future of its fiscal stability depends on it.
Adamkolo Mohammed Ibrahim, a Lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri, wrote in from Pompommari Sabon-Fegi, Damaturu, Yobe State, and can be reached via adamkolo@unimaid.edu.ng.