Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has called on the National Assembly to reject the proposed tax reform bills, alleging they are designed to disadvantage Nigeria’s northern region. Kwankwaso made the remarks on Sunday during the convocation ceremony at Skyline University, held at the Ammani Centre, Nassarawa GRA, Kano State.
Kwankwaso Alleges Regional Bias in Tax Reforms
Kwankwaso accused Lagos State and President Bola Tinubu, a Lagos native, of attempting to impose dominance over northern Nigeria through these reforms. He linked the proposed bills to a broader strategy aimed at economic centralisation that benefits Lagos at the expense of northern states.
“We are seeing efforts from the Lagos axis to colonise this part of the country,” Kwankwaso claimed.
He further alleged that many factory owners in Kano and other northern states have been “forced” to relocate their headquarters to Lagos, leading to a significant loss of tax revenue in the region.
Emirship Disputes Highlight Tensions
Kwankwaso also accused President Tinubu of interfering in Kano’s ongoing emirship disputes, suggesting that such actions are part of a larger scheme to undermine northern autonomy.
“Lagos wouldn’t allow us to choose our Emir. Lagos has come to the centre of Kano to install their own Emir,” Kwankwaso stated.
The Kano emirship has been contentious since Muhammadu Sanusi was reinstated as Emir in May. However, Aminu Bayero, who was displaced in favor of Sanusi, has refused to relinquish the position, leading to legal battles.
Economic Impact on the North
Kwankwaso warned that the proposed reforms could exacerbate poverty, insecurity, and economic challenges in northern Nigeria.
“This part of the country is already suffering from economic hardship, insecurity, poverty, hunger, and diseases,” he said. “The tax reforms are designed to make the poor poorer and the rich richer.”
He compared the current situation to events during Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration (1999–2003), alleging that northern lawmakers were bribed to support onshore/offshore tax policies that adversely affected northern economies.
Tinubu Defends Tax Reform Proposals
President Tinubu, however, has maintained that the tax reform bills are crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth. According to him, the reforms aim to improve citizens’ lives and optimise the country’s tax framework, ensuring greater efficiency and fairness.
The National Assembly has yet to take a definitive stance on the contentious tax reform proposals.
