The Kano State House of Assembly has strongly opposed the controversial tax reform bill, calling it detrimental to Northern Nigeria’s economic stability. During deliberations on Tuesday, Speaker Hon. Ismail Falgore and other members described the bill as “anti-North,” warning it could widen the economic gap between the northern and southern regions.
Majority Leader Lawan Husseini expressed grave concerns that the proposed value-added tax (VAT) allocations would disproportionately benefit states like Lagos, where corporate headquarters dominate, leaving northern states financially weaker. “This reform could worsen hardship for ordinary Nigerians and make it challenging for some states to even pay salaries,” Husseini stated.
Several lawmakers, including Hon. Salisu Mohammed and Hon. Murtala Kadage, echoed these concerns, urging unity among northern lawmakers to reject the bill. The Assembly also called on northern senators, representatives, and the Conference of Speakers to prevent the bill’s passage, emphasizing the potential adverse effects on the region’s economy and livelihoods.
The Assembly’s stance highlights the intensifying debate surrounding the bill, with critics arguing it could further deepen the nation’s economic disparities.