Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has clarified that the 36 state governors are advocating for broader consultations on President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills to ensure inclusivity and address the significant implications of the proposed changes.
Makinde emphasized that his stance was not in opposition to the reforms but reflected concerns raised collectively by the governors. The clarification was made in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, during a media chat on the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State on Saturday.
President Tinubu had submitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly on October 3, 2024: the Nigeria Tax Bill, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill. The bills have since sparked debates, with various stakeholders opposing certain provisions.
Makinde explained that during a National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, the governors agreed the bills should be withdrawn temporarily to allow for wider stakeholder engagement.
“At the NEC meeting, we asked the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force about the status of the bills, and he confirmed they were already at the National Assembly,” Makinde said. “I questioned why approval was being sought from us after the bills had been sent. It felt like putting the cart before the horse.”
He continued, “The NEC unanimously resolved that the bills should be withdrawn to facilitate more comprehensive consultations. This would ensure alignment and possibly adjustments to the bills based on feedback.”
Addressing criticisms of his position, Makinde remarked, “I explained our decision to withdraw the bills for consultation, but some have chosen to focus on the messenger rather than the message.”
On Recent Tragedies in Oyo State
Makinde expressed deep sorrow over the tragic Ibadan funfair incident on December 18, 2024, which claimed the lives of 35 children. He described the event as a monumental loss and observed a minute of silence for the victims during the media chat.
He also referenced the Bodija explosion in January 2024, which resulted in five deaths, 77 injuries, and significant property damage. He noted that both incidents could have been avoided with proper preventive measures.
Land Grabbing Allegations and Circular Road Project
Addressing allegations of land grabbing linked to the Circular Road project, Makinde dismissed the claims as baseless. He described the Circular Road as a transformative infrastructure project that would serve as Nigeria’s first motorway, covering 32 kilometers with two strategically located exit points.
Makinde asserted, “The accusations of land grabbing are ironic, as those under investigation for similar activities are the ones making these allegations. The project is a bold step towards structured development and economic expansion.”
Commitment to Education and Development
Makinde pledged to overhaul Oyo State’s education infrastructure in 2025. He noted that his administration had consistently exceeded the UNESCO benchmark for budgetary allocation to education and had realigned resources to prioritize the sector.
“We’ve invested significantly in education, but much work remains,” he said, estimating that N60 billion would be required to fully address the sector’s challenges. “For tertiary institutions, I am satisfied with the progress so far.”
Makinde reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to policies and initiatives aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty and ensuring long-term prosperity for the state.
