President Bola Tinubu has initiated efforts to secure the backing of northern elites and political leaders for the passage of several contentious tax reform bills.

The proposed legislation, introduced to the National Assembly in October 2024, includes the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill.

Sources within the Presidency revealed that Tinubu has been engaging in private consultations and utilizing “back channels” to address concerns raised by key stakeholders.

A senior official, speaking anonymously to Punch, said, “The President has been reaching out to northern elites, both individually and as groups, even before the holidays, to discuss the proposed bills.”

Another insider disclosed that Tinubu is leveraging multiple avenues to address opposition to the reforms. “He is employing various strategies and channels to resolve the contentious aspects of the bills and gain support,” the source said.

Despite these efforts, northern governors remain firmly opposed to the legislation, calling for its withdrawal to allow for further consultations. They argue that the proposed reforms could disproportionately impact northern regions and stifle economic growth.

The bills aim to overhaul Nigeria’s tax administration and revenue collection systems, a move the federal government claims is essential to boosting revenue generation and reducing the nation’s dependency on oil. However, critics warn that the reforms could lead to higher taxes and increased financial strain on citizens.

The debate around these bills underscores the challenges of balancing fiscal reforms with the concerns of affected stakeholders.