The Presidency has dismissed allegations that the proposed Tax Reform Bills will disproportionately benefit Lagos and Rivers states while impoverishing the North.

In a statement, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the claims as “reckless” and “misinformed.”

He emphasized that the bills aim to enhance the quality of life for all Nigerians, particularly the disadvantaged.

READ ALSO:

NLC slams Ebonyi Gov over threat to sack striking people workers

Senate, NUC seek establishment of more universities

FG urges ICC to halt “unfair” probe of Military

The Presidency also clarified that the bills do not propose scrapping agencies such as NASENI, TETFUND, and NITDA. Instead, the bills seek to consolidate earmarked taxes and replace them with a single tax to be shared with key agencies as beneficiaries.

President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the public interest generated by the bills and encouraged leaders across the country to participate in public hearings organized by the National Assembly to present their views on the proposed tax reforms.

The Northern Governors’ Forum had previously expressed opposition to the new derivation-based model for Value-Added Tax (VAT) distribution in the tax reform bills ¹