KNSG Hosts Expert Dialogue on Controversial Tax Reform Bills
By Mustapha Salisu
In its efforts to address challenges surrounding the recently introduced National Tax Reform Bills by the Presidency, Kano State Government has organized a two-day Expert Dialogue on the Controversial National Tax Reform Bills.
The dialogue, held from January 20 to 21, 2025, at Northwest University, Kano, brought together experts from academia, the business community, and legal field, among others, to deliberate on implications of the proposed reforms.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, described the dialogue as timely and crucial for safeguarding the interests of Kano State.
Gwarzo, who also serves as the Hon. Commissioner for Higher Education, emphasized that the stakeholders’ recommendations would inform Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s position at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) before presenting them to the National Assembly.
“The Tax Reform Bill may not be entirely flawed, but certain provisions could harm the interests of states that are less industrialized compared to Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Kano. It is essential that we address these concerns,” Gwarzo stated.
He further noted that, based on expert opinions, the passage of the bill in its current form could impoverish over three-quarters of states nationwide, undermining national unity and development.
However, he expressed optimism that the stakeholders would provide well-informed recommendations to guide the state’s stance on the matter.
Earlier in his remarks, Prof. Kabiru Isa Dandago, Chairman of the Technical Committee on the Tax Reform Bill Dialogue, urged participants to focus on issues beneficial to Kano State.
He pointed out that while the NGF had taken a stand, there are gaps that needed to be identified, addressed and communicated to the appropriate authorities.
Also speaking, Prof. Mukhtar Atiku Kurawa, Vice-Chancellor of Northwest University, highlighted the institution’s commitment to supporting the government in dialogues that promote taxation reforms and revenue generation.
“We remain dedicated to working with the state government in any capacity that contributes to the development of Kano State and Nigeria at large,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
It is worth recalling that the Tax Reform Bill, introduced to the National Assembly by the Presidency, has sparked nationwide controversy due to its perceived impact on revenue allocation and state-level economic autonomy.
