Shinkafi slams govs opposing tax reforms, urges economic innovation

The Executive Director of the Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development, Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has criticised the opposition of some state governors to the proposed tax reforms, describing it as indicative of laziness and a lack of innovation in governance.

Shinkafi, a former National Secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, disclosed this during an interview with Arise News on Monday.

He didn’t hold back in his criticism of governors, particularly from the northern region, who have openly resisted the reforms.

“Because of how the money will be shared based on your performance and contribution, that is why they are complaining,” he said, responding to the opposition from the 19 northern state governors.

“Most of these states are lazy; most of them are not ready to develop their state to generate revenue; that is why they are complaining,” he said.

amid growing pressure from northern governors and 73 northern lawmakers, the House of Representatives has indefinitely suspended the debate on the bill.

Opposition politically motivated?

However, Shinkafi dismissed the opposition as not only baseless but also politically motivated.

He specifically addressed the backlash from the Northern Youth Assembly, which accused the Deputy Senate President of bias in facilitating the passage of the bills.

“The attack by the Northern Youth Assembly is uncalled for,” Shinkafi remarked. “All the attacks, blackmail, and mischief-making are politically motivated against the Deputy Senate President.”

He defended the Senate leadership, noting that it was simply fulfilling its constitutional duty.

Shinkafi argued that much of the criticism stems from a lack of understanding. “If they had looked deeply into it, the governors would not be crying foul,” he said, accusing regional leaders of perpetuating economic stagnation and underdevelopment.

“These governors are responsible for the economic failure, insecurity, chronic unemployment, acute poverty, and educational backwardness in the northern region.”

Tax Reforms – Growth Pathway

Contrary to the narrative that the tax reforms are anti-north, Shinkafi highlighted several provisions designed to boost economic growth and support vulnerable sectors.

“Small businesses with a turnover not exceeding ₦50 million are exempted from paying annual taxes,” he explained.

Additionally, essential goods like pharmaceutical products, food items, educational materials, agricultural equipment, and export goods are exempt from VAT.

Another significant provision is the reduction of income tax for small businesses from 30 per cent to 25 per cent, a move Shinkafi believes will encourage growth and investment in critical sectors.

The Zamfara-born politician also addressed allegations that the reforms favour southern states, particularly Lagos, or serve the personal interests of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through ties to Alpha Beta Consulting.

He refuted the claims as misinformation aimed at discrediting the presidency.

“People are being misinformed about the new tax bill against the presidency,” he said. “The most important thing is for you to be upright in your decisions and very transparent and accountable.”

Transparency, Public Engagement Demands

To quell the growing controversy, Shinkafi urged the public to engage in scrutinising the bills through open dialogue and public hearings.

“The issue of attribution and derivation is clear. With public hearings, all these issues would have been avoidable,” he noted, emphasising that a transparent process could dispel misconceptions and build public trust.

As the debate over the tax reforms continues, Shinkafi’s message is clear: Nigeria cannot afford to remain stagnant. It is time for state governments to embrace innovation, take responsibility for their economic development, and support reforms that promise to transform the nation’s tax landscape for the better.