Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has elaborated on why the 36 state governors are advocating for broader consultations on President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills.
Speaking during a media chat on the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) on Saturday, Makinde emphasized the need to involve all stakeholders due to the significant impact of the reforms.
While he clarified that he is not against the reforms, he highlighted the concerns raised by the governors and their call for a more inclusive process.
According to Makinde, the National Economic Council (NEC) had unanimously resolved that the bills should be withdrawn from the National Assembly to allow for wider consultations. “We asked the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force about the status of the bills, and he confirmed they were already at the National Assembly,” Makinde explained.
“I then questioned why we were being consulted after the fact—it’s like putting the cart before the horse.”
The tax reform bills, submitted to the National Assembly on October 3, 2024, have sparked debates, with various stakeholders opposing specific provisions. The bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.
Makinde noted that the NEC’s recommendation for withdrawal was to ensure that all stakeholders’ perspectives are considered. This could result in retaining the original proposals or modifying them based on feedback. “The goal is alignment and inclusivity,” he said.
Responding to criticisms labeling him as opposed to the reforms, Makinde remarked, “Some people are focusing on the messenger instead of the message. Our decision to seek consultation is about ensuring the best outcome for everyone.”
During the media chat, Governor Makinde also expressed sorrow over the Ibadan funfair tragedy, which claimed the lives of 35 children, describing it as a monumental loss.
He linked the incident, along with the Bodija explosion in January 2024, to a failure to implement adequate safety measures.
Observing a moment of silence for the victims, Makinde assured the public that the legal process was ongoing, albeit slowly. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring accountability and preventing future occurrences.
