Kehinde Fajobi
President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, praised the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) for their unanimous support of four Tax Reform Bills currently under review by the National Assembly.
Tinubu commended the governors for demonstrating “bold leadership and commitment to fostering unity among leaders nationwide.”
His Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement titled President Tinubu Commends Nigeria Governors for Supporting Tax Reform Initiatives.
The President highlighted the bipartisan nature of the governors’ consensus, which he said transcended regional, ethnic, and political differences to prioritise Nigeria’s development.
The Tax Reform Bills, including the controversial shift to a derivation-based VAT model, were endorsed by the governors during their consultation with the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy on Thursday.
Describing the collaboration as “a commendable example of cooperation between the Federal and State governments,” Tinubu extended special recognition to NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, for mobilising support for the transformative reforms.
He also praised the Progressive Governors Forum, the Northern Governors Forum, and other groups for their role in resolving the controversies surrounding the tax reforms.
According to Tinubu, the pro-poor Tax Reform Bills aim to update outdated tax laws, enhance Nigeria’s investment climate, and attract both local and foreign investments.
“The President notes that the dialogue between the NGF and the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform highlights the power of constructive conversation in resolving differences,” the statement read.
Tinubu described the governors as critical partners in nation-building and pledged his commitment to working with them to promote economic growth, peace, and stability.
He further urged other stakeholders with contributions to the reforms to participate in the ongoing legislative process and called on the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the bills to enable Nigerians to benefit from the reforms without delay.