The Benue State government has expressed its support for President Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills, currently under consideration by the National Assembly, despite resistance from several Northern states.

Speaking in Makurdi on Monday, the Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning, Mr. Michael Oglegba, described the proposed legislation as a positive step toward boosting Nigeria’s tax revenues.

“The Tax Reform Bill is largely a good bill. We support the effort of the Federal Government to grow tax revenues,” Oglegba stated during an interview.

This endorsement comes in contrast to the stance of the Northern Governors Forum, which has criticized aspects of the bill, particularly the Value Added Tax (VAT) sharing formula.

During a meeting in Kaduna, the forum urged federal lawmakers from their states to oppose the bills when they are debated in both chambers of the National Assembly.

In addition, the National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, had earlier recommended that the Federal Government withdraw the bills to allow for more extensive consultations with stakeholders. However, President Tinubu has rejected this suggestion, insisting on proceeding with the reforms.

AFRIPOST reports that the tax reform bills aim to overhaul Nigeria’s tax system, streamline revenue collection, and address inefficiencies.