Babatunji Wusu –
- Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, Executive Director of Patriots for Advancement of Peace and Social Development, expressed full support for President Tinubu’s tax reforms.
- He criticized Governors opposing the reforms, labeling them as “lazy” and unwilling to build their states’ revenue.
- Shinkafi dismissed claims that the reforms are anti-north and clarified that the new revenue-sharing formula is performance-based.
- He defended the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, against political attacks related to the tax bill.
- Shinkafi highlighted the benefits of the reforms, including tax exemptions for small businesses and key sectors, and a reduction in income tax for small businesses.
Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, Executive Director of Patriots for Advancement of Peace and Social Development, has strongly supported the tax reforms proposed by President Bola Tinubu. Speaking as a guest on Arise News, Shinkafi criticized governors opposing the reforms, suggesting that they are “lazy” and unwilling to develop their states’ revenue-generating capabilities. He argued that many of these governors have not studied the bill, nor do they fully understand its content.
Shinkafi also rejected accusations that the reforms are anti-northern, clarifying that the new revenue-sharing formula is performance-based, rewarding states according to their contributions. He stated that complaints from northern governors stem from their reluctance to develop their states, leading to their economic challenges.
In his defense of the tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly, Shinkafi rejected claims of political motivation behind the opposition. He condemned the attacks against Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, asserting that they were politically motivated and based on misinformation. He further criticized northern governors for failing to understand the bill’s content, stating that had they done so, they would not be opposing it. Shinkafi held these governors responsible for the region’s ongoing economic difficulties, insecurity, and social issues.
Shinkafi outlined several key benefits of the proposed tax reforms, including exemptions for small businesses with annual turnover under ₦50 million, as well as for essential sectors like pharmaceuticals, food, education, and agriculture. He also pointed to the reduction of income tax for small businesses from 30% to 25% as a significant advantage.
Addressing concerns that the reforms favor Lagos State, Shinkafi dismissed such claims as misinformation, emphasizing that the tax bill was fair and transparent. He called for public hearings to help clarify the reforms’ content and address any misunderstandings, stressing that such initiatives would have alleviated much of the controversy surrounding the bill.
