Tax Reforms Explained: Ensuring Prosperity for the North – Insights from the Presidency
The Nigerian presidency has assured the public that the proposed tax reform bills will not impoverish the northern region but rather aim to create a fairer, more efficient tax system nationwide.
Concerns from the Northern Governors’ Forum primarily revolve around a proposed derivation-based Value Added Tax (VAT) distribution model, which would allocate VAT revenue based on where goods and services are consumed instead of where they are remitted.
This reform intends to correct perceived inequities in the current system, ensuring northern states benefit from their contributions to the national economy.
The reforms include four main bills designed to streamline Nigeria’s tax laws, harmonize administrative processes, and enhance revenue collection efficiency without increasing the tax burden.
The government emphasized that the changes would not lead to job losses but instead foster economic growth and job creation across the country.