Tax Reform: “There was an influential lawmaker from South that met me and said…” Mustapha Ghali

The debate over the proposed Tax Reform Bill before the National Assembly remains heated as Federal Lawmaker Dr. Mustapha Ghali, representing Gaya, Ajingi, and Albasu Federal Constituency in Kano State, argued that Nigeria is not ready for the new tax administration.

It was reported that Dr. Ghali, a member of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), disclosed during a press briefing in Kano that he resisted pressure to persuade his colleagues to support the executive bill. He explained that while such reforms may work in developed nations with a conducive atmosphere, implementing them in Nigeria at this time could pose significant challenges for citizens.

He added that proponents of the bill assured him that Kano State would benefit greatly from the reform, but he rejected the proposal, citing concerns over its potential to disproportionately affect neighboring states. Ghali emphasized the need for a fair and equitable system before considering such major changes.

He said, “There was an influential lawmaker from the South that met me, and said, Dr Ghali you are privileged to have the wherewithal to stand, and speak and you usually get the support of your fellow members. We’ve come to strike a deal with you today. We want you to support these tax reform bills.”

He alleged the lawmaker told him that their reason was that when it is passed, Kano State will also benefit alongside Lagos State. And that if Kano State benefits from it, he (Ghali) will also benefit.

“I said to him he is right, but I want Jigawa State, Kaduna State, Katsina State, Zamfara State, Sokoto State, Kebbi State also to benefit,” he added.

He claimed what the lawmaker from the southern region said meant that they have an ulterior motive, but the good thing is all the lawmakers from the northern region, have all sat, and are working towards containing the issue.