A Well-known Nigerian lawyer Malcolm Imirhobo has voiced his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bill.
Imirhobo shared his position in a statement on Friday night via his official account on X.
His comments come amidst ongoing debate surrounding the recent Tax Reform Bill submitted to the National Assembly.
According to the report, the National Economic Council, made up of governors, urged President Tinubu to retract the bill and called for more consultations.
This followed opposition to the bill from Northern governors.
Despite this, Tinubu’s administration dismissed the NEC’s recommendation and disregarded the Northern governors’ position on the bill.
The President stated that the bill should go through proper review in the National Assembly, allowing any necessary adjustments or contributions to be made during the bill’s public hearing.
In response, Imirhobo expressed his support for the tax reform bill, saying it would address inequalities in tax distribution.
He claimed that Northern Nigeria has been taking advantage of the Southern region for decades.
He emphasized that every state in Nigeria should contribute their quarter to the nation’s revenue, asserting that the North cannot continue to benefit without contributing.
Imirhobo also remarked that the tax reform bill is essential if the country intends to transition back to a regional government.
“I support the tax reform bill because it will address inequalities in tax distribution. The North has been exploiting the South for decades; this must come to an end.”
we sincerely want to return to the regional government and want this country to make progress, tax reform is sine qua non.
“Each state must contribute; the North cannot keep benefiting without giving back,” he said.
It’s worth noting that, four days ago, Taiwo Oyedele, the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, explained that the bill aims to create a fairer tax system for the nation.
In October 2024, Tinubu submitted the tax reform bills to Nigeria’s National Assembly for review.
