Barau Responds to Critics of Tax Bills as Northern Group Backs Initiative

Senator Barau tackles opposition to the proposed tax bills, while a prominent northern group shows support for the initiative, highlighting its potential benefits for the region.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has rejected criticisms directed at the proposed Tax Reform Bills, arguing that many of those criticizing—including certain lawmakers—do not fully comprehend the bills submitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu in September.

This development aligns with the support for reforms from a northern socio-economic group, the Arewa Think Tank (ATT), which has endorsed the administration’s tax initiatives.

Senator Jibrin clarified that the bills were fast-tracked for a second reading to promote public participation and discussion. Nonetheless, the proposed legislation has raised concerns, especially in the northern region, where some worry it could intensify economic difficulties.

Notably, governors from the northern region, along with traditional leaders and various interest groups, have expressed opposition to the bills, labeling them as harmful to both regional development and national progress.

In an interview with BBC Hausa last Friday, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum voiced concerns that the reforms might impede governors’ ability to pay salaries if they are enacted. He also raised questions about the speed at which the National Assembly pushed forward these bills.

In a separate interview with BBC Hausa, Senator Jibrin explained that advancing the bills to their second reading was crucial in allowing Nigerians to interact with the content before any additional legislative measures were taken.

He stated that due to the contents of the bills, they decided to invite experts or those who developed them on behalf of the President. The purpose is for these individuals to explain the provisions and offer advice so that Nigerians can be informed about them.

The bills must pass the second reading before they can move to committee review. Although we could pose questions to the committee, Nigerians who only watched on television didn’t have an opportunity for inquiries. Therefore, it was decided that passing the bills for a second reading would allow Nigerians to comment, contribute ideas, and raise their own questions.

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When questioned about why the bills weren’t sent to a committee before their second reading, he responded: “No, that’s not how it works. The bills must pass the second reading first in order to be referred to a committee. This step allows for public feedback on them. That’s why they’ve now been presented to the committee for review and detailed examination.”

“The second reading is not the conclusion of the process; in fact, it marks its beginning. This stage allows everyone—youths, children, women, clerics—to provide feedback and express any concerns they may have.”

When asked if lawmakers were aware of the potential challenges arising from the reforms, Jibrin replied: “No one would intentionally take actions that harm their constituents. The current issue is that we need to understand the details within these bills first. Most people, including some lawmakers, are not even familiar with what they contain.”

We need to understand the bills before they can be fully comprehended, which is why they were sent to the committee for review. This helps us gauge the situation. We also plan to consult experts on this matter, but we haven’t reached that stage yet.

At the same time, the Arewa Think Tank has voiced its backing for tax reforms and called on northern leaders to work together with the federal government and legislators. They aim to amend the constitution in a way that allows states to utilize their mineral resources for regional development.

In a statement signed by its leader, Muhammad Yakubu, the group urged northern stakeholders to see the reforms as a chance to tackle economic challenges with creativity and innovation.

“We do not share the view that these reforms will hinder progress in the northern region,” stated the announcement. “Tax reform holds significant potential to comprehensively advance development in the North. We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other stakeholders to move forward with enacting these bills into law.”

The group also praised the swift advancement of the bills, highlighting it in contrast to the delays that had affected earlier legislation.

Yakubu pointed out, “At Arewa Think Tank, we are pleased with the swift and seamless transition to this current phase, especially when other bills have taken years to advance. This indicates that there are significant benefits and opportunities in the tax reform bills.”

The group asserted that the reforms could enable the northern states to capitalize on their natural resources and encouraged northern leaders to take this opportunity for economic transformation.