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At last, Nigeria Governors support Tinubu’s tax reforms
The Nigeria Governors Forum has expressed support for President Tinubu’s tax reform
This was disclosed in a statement signed by Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani on Thursday.
“The Forum expressed its strong support for reform of the tax system” Sani said.
This possibly brings to an end the opposition to the tax reforms by the Governors. President Bola Tinubu had insisted the bills be allowed to go through legislative process.
Also, it is not clear if all the national assembly members will toe the line of the Governors going forward.
Governor Sani’s statement posted in his X (former Twitter) handle reads: “Today, I joined other members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) at the Subnational Consultations and Engagement with the Presidential Committee on Tax Reforms which was held at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. The meeting deliberated on critical national issues, including the reform of Nigeria’s fiscal policies and tax system.
“The event afforded Governors and other stakeholders the opportunity to critically x-ray the Tax Reform Bills and seek clarification on a number of issues. I had the privilege of moderating the session on feedbacks and concerns from subnationals.
After extensive discussions, the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) released a communique signed by the Chairman, His Excellency, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazak.
“The Forum expressed its strong support for reform of the tax system and endorsed a revised Value Added Tax (VAT) as follows: 50% based on equality, 30% based on derivation, and 20% based on population. This is to ensure equitable distribution of resources.
“The Forum also resolved that there should be no increase in VAT rate or reduction in Corporate Income Tax (CIT) at this time, to maintain economic stability. While advocating for the continued exemption of essential goods and agricultural produce from VAT to safeguard the welfare of citizens and promote agricultural productivity, the Forum recommended that there should be no terminal clause for TETFUND, NASENI, and NITDA in the sharing of development levies in the bills.
“The Nigeria Governors Forum supports the continuation of the legislative process at the National Assembly that will culminate in the passage of the Tax Reform Bills.”
The former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai was on Thursday arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations bordering on unlawful interception of communications and threats to national security.
El-Rufai, who appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, denied all five counts contained in the amended charge filed against him by the prosecution. The case was brought by counsel to the DSS, Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), who informed the court that the earlier three-count charge had been replaced with an expanded five-count amended charge dated April 13.
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According to the prosecution, the amended charges include allegations that the former governor unlawfully intercepted communications linked to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, without proper authorisation. He was also accused of engaging in activities involving technical systems that allegedly posed risks to public safety and national security.
El-Rufai, however, maintained his not-guilty plea when the charges were read in court.
At the proceedings, his counsel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), confirmed receipt of the amended charge and did not oppose its substitution for the earlier filing. The court subsequently struck out the initial three-count charge and proceeded with the new counts.
A key point of contention arose when the prosecution requested that the identities of two witnesses be protected through the use of pseudonyms, citing security concerns. The defence strongly objected, arguing that such a move would undermine the defendant’s constitutional right to fair hearing and to know his accusers.
The defence also challenged the prosecution’s request for consecutive hearing dates, stating that it could limit adequate access to legal representation, especially given El-Rufai’s ongoing custody under the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
Additionally, the defence informed the court of a pending bail application, noting that an earlier missing affidavit had been recovered and submitted. While the prosecution did not oppose the bail request, it urged the court to dismiss a separate application filed by the defence seeking to quash the amended charge, describing it as lacking merit.
The defence further asked the court to compel the prosecution to disclose its proof of evidence to enable proper preparation for trial, but the request was also opposed.
After listening to submissions from both sides, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to May 18, 19, and 20 for hearing.
President Bola Tinubu has formally written to the Senate, seeking approval for a $516.3 million foreign syndicated loan to support the construction of the Sokoto–Badagry highway.
In a communication read by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Thursday, President Tinubu requested a resolution in line with Sections 16 and 21 of the Debt Management Office (Establishment) Act, 2011, to enable the Federal Government to secure the financing for Sections 1, Phase 1A, and 1B of the project. The loan facility is to be arranged through Deutsche Bank AG.
President Tinubu explained that the superhighway project is a flagship initiative under his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to enhance national connectivity, reduce travel time, and improve the movement of goods across key economic corridors.
The proposed 1,000-kilometre road will link Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos states, connecting Illela to Badagry.
He noted that the financing arrangement will be backed by a partial risk guarantee from the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), while the Federal Government will provide counterpart funding of over 265 billion naira for land acquisition, compensation, and related infrastructure.
According to the president, the loan is structured for nine years, including a three-year grace period, with an interest rate pegged at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange SOFR plus 5.3 per cent per annum. The Federal Executive Council has already approved the financing plan.
Following the presentation of the request at plenary, Akpabio referred the matter to the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, directing it to report back within one week.
Endorsing the move, the Senate President said that it is better to borrow for projects to improve road safety and foster national integration.
Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT chapter, Comrade Abdullahi Shafa, speaking after the meeting of the union leaders with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, today.
He hailed the FCT minister for his quick intervention.
Watch:
Angry El-Rufai Protests Move To Shield Witnesses In NSA Phone-Tapping Case
Tinubu wants Senate’s approval of $516m fresh loan for Sokoto–Badagry Highway
FCT Teachers Strike: NUT Hails Wike Over Intervention In Education Sector(Video)
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