- Babangida Aliyu criticized Nigerians opposing tax reform bills for not studying their content, stressing the need for better government communication
- He emphasized that no policy can benefit everyone equally, urging citizens to understand the complexities of tax legislation
Former Northern Governors’ Forum chairman Babangida Aliyu criticized Nigerians who oppose tax reform bills for not fully understanding their content.
Speaking on Saturday, he stated that many critics have not taken the time to study the proposed bills.
Aliyu, also a former Niger State governor, expressed disappointment with the federal government’s poor communication strategy. He emphasized that citizens need clarity on policies, noting that no policy can equally benefit everyone.
Four tax reform bills, including the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024, and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024, have triggered widespread debate since being presented to the National Assembly.
At an October 28 meeting, Northern Governors Forum members rejected the proposed derivation-based Value Added Tax distribution model outlined in the bills. Shortly after, the National Economic Council urged the president to withdraw the bills for further consultations.
Addressing the controversy at a graduation ceremony for the Executive Intelligence Management Course 17, held at the National Institute for Security Studies in Abuja, Aliyu questioned the resistance to reform.
“I discussed with the NSA in the common room, saying many of those debating these tax bills haven’t read them,” Aliyu noted. “The government must improve communication. With a largely illiterate population, officials should be the first to explain major policies, especially transformative ones.”
He added, “You can’t abandon a policy because a few oppose it. Communication is crucial.”
Vice President Kashim Shettima, also speaking at the event, addressed global security challenges like cyber warfare and disinformation. Represented by Minister of Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, Shettima stressed the importance of innovative responses and using technology for progress rather than destruction.
“Security issues such as terrorism, transnational crime, and climate migration transcend borders,” Shettima said. “This institution has equipped you not only to defend but also build alliances rooted in shared humanity. Learning is key to solving complex problems.”
He urged graduands to view crises as opportunities for stability and growth, describing the current era as opportunities and vulnerabilities.
“Our interconnected world means challenges in one nation affect others. Leaders must address social and economic tensions with modern ideas, not outdated approaches,” he concluded.
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