President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) for their unanimous endorsement of the four Tax Reform Bills currently under consideration by the National Assembly.
In a statement issued on Friday by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the tax reforms as “pro-poor”, emphasizing their role in promoting national interests, enhancing Nigeria’s economic competitiveness, and attracting local and foreign investments.
“Thursday’s productive consultation between the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy is a commendable example of cooperation between the Federal and State governments,” the statement read.
The president lauded the governors for their leadership and commitment to transcending regional, ethnic, and political differences to advance Nigeria’s development.
“President Tinubu extends special commendations to the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, for successfully galvanizing support among his peers for these transformative tax bills to rejuvenate the national economy and enhance Nigeria’s investment climate,” Onanuga added.
Tinubu also praised the Progressive Governors Forum, the Northern Governors Forum, and other groups for reaching a bipartisan resolution on the bills.
He stressed the importance of updating Nigeria’s outdated tax laws as part of a broader strategy to stimulate economic growth.
“The primary aim of the Tax Reform Bills, which is pro-poor, is to promote national interests, improve the competitiveness of Nigeria’s economy, and attract both local and foreign investments,” Tinubu remarked.
The president highlighted the power of constructive dialogue, pointing to the recent collaboration between the NGF and the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform as a model for resolving national challenges.
“President Tinubu regards the governors as vital contributors to nation-building and affirms his commitment to partnering with them to promote economic growth, national harmony, peace, and stability,” the statement noted.
He urged other stakeholders with ideas for refining the bills to engage with the legislative process and called on the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the reforms.
“Finally, President Tinubu urges the National Assembly to expedite the legislative process for these crucial bills so that the country can swiftly reap the benefits of the reforms,” the statement concluded.
