Shekarau, Northern Democrats Set Up Committee To Review Tax Reform Bills

A former Kano State Governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, and prominent members of the League of Northern Democrats (LND) have formed a technical committee to review the controversial tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly.

The development was disclosed in a statement released on Friday in Abuja by the league’s spokesman, Ladan Salihu.

Salihu explained that the decision was made in response to the widespread outrage trailing the introduction of the bills, which include the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024, and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024, among others.

The committee has been tasked with completing its review within one week, after which its findings and recommendations will be submitted to the LND for consideration.

The tax reform bills, introduced by President Bola Tinubu in October, have sparked intense debates across the country.

Critics argue that the proposed legislation could disproportionately affect certain regions, including the North, prompting calls for amendments or outright withdrawal.

In recent weeks, northern lawmakers, governors, and other stakeholders have expressed reservations about the bills, citing potential economic challenges.

The statement reads, “At the conclusion of its assignment, the committee will publicly present its findings in an electronic and tabular format, effectively communicating its recommendations to policymakers, legislators, the media, and the Nigerian public.

“The LND assures the public of our confidence in the committee’s ability to produce thorough and well-reasoned recommendations. These will maximise benefits for all Nigerians, ensuring that the tax reforms support sustainable development and equitable economic growth across the nation.”