The Nigerian Governors Forum on Thursday unanimously gave its support to the controversial tax reforms following a deliberation between it and the Presidential Tax Reform Committee.
At the end of subnational consultation and engagement with the Presidential Tax Reform Committee, a communiqué was issued.
The communiqué was signed by His Excellency AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum & Governor of Kwara State reads thus:
“We, members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and presidential tax reform committee, convened on the 16th of January 2025 to deliberate on critical national issues, including the reform of Nigeria’s fiscal policies and tax system, and arrived at the following resolutions:”
- The Forum reiterated its strong support for the comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s archaic tax laws. Members acknowledged
the importance of modernizing the tax system to enhance fiscal stability and align with global best practices.
2. The Forum endorsed a revised Value Added Tax (VAT) sharing formula to ensure equitable distribution of resources:
o 50% based on equality,
o 30% based on derivation, and
o 20% based on population.
- Members agreed that there should be no increase in the VAT rate or reduction in Corporate Income Tax (CIT) at this time, to
maintain economic stability. The Forum advocated for the continued exemption of essential goods and agricultural produce from VAT to safeguard the welfare of citizens and promote agricultural productivity.
- The meeting recommended that there should be no terminal clause for TETFUND, NASENI, and NITDA in the sharing of
development levies in the bills.
- The meeting supports the continuation of the legislative process at the National Assembly that will culminate in. the
eventual passage of the Tax Reform Bills.
𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐝
H.E. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq
Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum & Governor of Kwara State