Afenifere Lauds Governors and Federal Government Over Resolution of Tax Reform Bills Stalemate

The Pan-Yoruba sociocultural group, Afenifere, has praised both the federal government and the state governors for resolving the deadlock surrounding the passage of the four tax reform bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement released on Monday in Akure, Ondo State, by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, Afenifere expressed its appreciation for the efforts of all stakeholders involved in breaking the impasse that had previously stalled the tax reform process.

Afenifere commended the federal government for introducing the tax reform bills, noting the potential benefits of the reforms to the nation’s economy. The group also acknowledged the concerns raised by various groups, particularly the Northern governors, regarding the bills.

President Tinubu had emphasized that the tax reform bills were crafted with a pro-poor focus to promote national development, enhance economic competitiveness, and attract both local and foreign investments. However, the bills faced resistance due to concerns raised by governors from the northern states, as well as traditional rulers in the region.

The deadlock was resolved last week when the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) held a meeting in Abuja, where they endorsed the continuation of the legislative process on the tax reform bills. The resolution marked the end of the disagreement, clearing the way for the bills to progress through the National Assembly.

In its statement, Afenifere highlighted the important lessons learned from the resolution of the tax reform dispute. The group pointed out that the process demonstrated the importance of visionary leadership, as exemplified by President Tinubu’s initiative in introducing the tax bills. It also emphasized the significance of public feedback, as well as leaders’ responsiveness to concerns raised by the people.

Afenifere’s statement read: “The resolution of this issue provides valuable lessons. First, it shows the need for leaders to take initiatives that are people-centered, as demonstrated by President Tinubu. Second, it emphasizes the importance of society’s right to voice concerns on public matters. Third, it underscores the need for leaders to be sensitive to public concerns. And fourth, it highlights the importance of consultations and open-mindedness in decision-making, which ultimately leads to decisions that serve the best interests of the majority.”

The group further commended President Tinubu for allowing further consultations when concerns about the tax bills were raised, noting that the outcome underscored the benefits of such consultations and strengthened the President’s democratic credentials.

LEADERSHIP recalls that during the NGF meeting at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, on Thursday, January 16, 2025, the governors gave their backing for the continuation of the legislative process in the National Assembly, which would lead to the passage of the tax reform bills. Prior to this, governors from the Northern region, along with some regional leaders, had threatened to withdraw their support for the bills unless certain adjustments were made.

With the NGF’s new stance, the path is now clear for the successful passage of the tax reform bills.