Tax Reform Bill: Former Presidential Aspirant, Garba Shehu Urges Northern Governors to Address Economic Disparities in the Region

….As Garba Shehu advocates for Regional Economic Development

Former presidential aspirant, Garba Shehu has delivered a striking critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tax reform agenda, urging Northern governors to seize the moment and address systemic economic disparities in the region. In a statement described as both revealing and provocative, Shehu labeled the tax reforms as a “Pandora’s box” that exposes deeper structural flaws in Nigeria’s fiscal and economic systems.

According to Naija247news, Shehu made this declaration during a press briefing in Kaduna, where he dissected the potential consequences of the Tax Reform Bill. He argued that while the reforms aim to bolster government revenue, they risk exacerbating the socio-economic challenges already plaguing the Northern region.

“Passed or not, the Tax Reform Bill has opened a Pandora’s box of structural deficiencies and economic inadequacies that must be addressed,” Shehu stated. Naija247news understands that the former aspirant was referring to the heavy reliance of Northern states on federal allocations and the lack of robust economic diversification in the region.

Shehu called on Northern governors to adopt a unified stance, urging them to critically evaluate how the reforms align with the region’s economic realities. According to Naija247news, he emphasized that governors must advocate for policies that protect vulnerable communities, particularly in agriculture and informal trade, which constitute the economic backbone of many Northern states.

Naija247news understands that Shehu also recommended that Northern governors leverage the debate around the Tax Reform Bill to demand federal support for regional economic development. He proposed a strategic focus on infrastructure, education, and agricultural value chains as key pillars for sustainable growth in the North.

His remarks, Naija247news gathered, have triggered widespread reactions. Supporters lauded his boldness in addressing the economic vulnerabilities of the North, while critics accused him of attempting to undermine Tinubu’s administration.

As the Tax Reform Bill continues to dominate national discourse, Naija247news understands that the Northern Governors Forum is under increasing pressure to articulate a cohesive response. Insiders suggest that discussions on the matter are likely to dominate their next meeting.

Naija247news will continue to provide updates on this evolving story, which has significant implications for governance, regional equity, and Nigeria’s economic future.