President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposed tax reforms have led to a split among northern governors and lawmakers, with a coalition from the North-West, North-East, and parts of the North-Central regions mobilizing against the initiatives. Governors from seven North-West states, six from the North-East, and two from the North-Central region are leading the opposition, pushing back on the tax bills currently in the National Assembly.
Despite this opposition, four northern governors—three from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and one from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—have voiced support for Tinubu’s tax measures. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on two key northern National Assembly officers, with influential leaders urging them to oppose the bills. Former Senate Leader Mohammed Ali Ndume, a vocal critic, has argued that the tax reforms will harm the middle class and further strain Nigerians financially.
While Tinubu has maintained his commitment to the tax reforms, he has shown openness to adjusting the proposals based on legislative input. The reform package includes several bills aimed at reducing redundant taxes, standardizing tax processes, restructuring the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and establishing a unified tax management board.
