President Bola Tinubu has expressed his gratitude to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum for their unified support of the four Tax Reform Bills currently before the National Assembly.
The President commended the governors for their leadership and unwavering commitment to national development, emphasizing that their endorsement transcends regional, ethnic, and political differences.
In a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), Bayo Onanuga said Tinubu described Thursday’s meeting between the NGF and the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy as a significant demonstration of cooperation between federal and state governments.
“I want to express my sincere appreciation to the governors for their bold leadership and determination to unite for the good of the nation,” President Tinubu said.
“Their efforts are essential in driving our country toward economic prosperity, and they have played a crucial role in advancing the Tax Reform Bills, which will benefit Nigeria’s economy and create a more favorable environment for investment.”
The President particularly lauded the Chairman of the NGF, Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, for his leadership in rallying the governors to support the tax reforms.
“Governor Abdulrazaq has done an outstanding job of uniting his colleagues behind this important cause, and his role in ensuring bipartisan support for the bills has been invaluable,” the President added.
The Tax Reform Bills aim to modernize Nigeria’s tax system, enhance economic competitiveness, and attract both local and international investments. The reforms are designed to be pro-poor and focus on advancing national interests.
President Tinubu reiterated the necessity of updating Nigeria’s outdated tax laws to improve the business environment and attract investments that will stimulate growth.
He also highlighted the role of constructive dialogue in resolving challenges, citing the NGF’s collaboration with the Presidential Committee as an example.
“The governors have shown that effective communication and cooperation are key to resolving differences and pushing the country forward,” said President Tinubu.
In his concluding remarks, the President called on other stakeholders to continue engaging with the legislative process, encouraging those with ideas or suggestions for improving the bills to participate in the ongoing deliberations in the National Assembly.
“I urge the National Assembly to expedite the legislative process for these critical bills so that Nigeria can quickly benefit from the proposed tax reforms,” President Tinubu concluded.
