Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde clarified the position of the 36 state governors on the tax reform bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu. In a media chat, Makinde explained that the governors sought wider consultations before the bills, which have sparked controversy, are passed into law. He stressed that the governors were not opposed to the reforms themselves but wanted broader stakeholder engagement to ensure the reforms address the needs of all Nigerians.
On October 3, 2024, President Tinubu sent four significant tax reform bills to the National Assembly, including the Nigeria Tax Bill and Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill. These bills have drawn criticism, with many concerned about their potential impact on citizens. During a National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, it was agreed that the bills should be withdrawn from the National Assembly to allow for more consultations and potential adjustments based on feedback.
Makinde emphasized that his remarks were not a rejection of the reforms but an attempt to advocate for a more inclusive process. He explained that the governors raised their concerns because they felt the bills were rushed through without adequate discussion with stakeholders.
In addition to the tax reform discussion, Makinde also addressed the tragic funfair incident in Ibadan, where 35 children lost their lives in a crowd crush on December 18, 2024. He acknowledged the monumental loss and reassured the public that legal processes were underway. Furthermore, he touched on the ongoing investigations into the January 2024 Bodija explosion, which resulted in several fatalities and injuries.
Makinde also defended his administration’s bold initiatives, including the Circular Road project, despite accusations of land grabbing. He stated that the project, which aims to create Nigeria’s first motorway, was designed to support sustainable economic development in the state. Additionally, Makinde outlined plans for an overhaul of Oyo State’s education infrastructure, with a focus on improving outcomes in the coming year.
