The Nigerian Presidency has called on Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, to retract recent statements threatening to reject national tax reforms, urging him to reconsider his stance in the best interest of the people of Bauchi State and the country at large.
In a statement issued today, the Presidency expressed concern over the Governor’s remarks, which suggested that Bauchi State may refuse to comply with the newly proposed tax reform policies aimed at enhancing the nation’s economic recovery and sustainable growth.
The Presidency emphasized the critical role of these reforms in broadening Nigeria’s tax base and ensuring that all states, including Bauchi, contribute to national economic development. The national government stressed that tax reforms are designed to increase revenue, create jobs, and reduce dependency on federal allocations, ultimately benefiting the citizens of all states, especially those grappling with significant poverty levels.
A key point raised by the Presidency was the discrepancy between the state’s substantial federal allocations and its ongoing poverty challenges. Despite receiving over ₦144 billion in federal allocations in recent years, Bauchi State continues to face one of the highest poverty rates in Nigeria. The 2023 National Poverty Index report placed Bauchi among the states with the highest proportion of citizens living below the poverty line, with an alarming percentage of its population struggling to meet basic needs.
The Presidency called for the state government to focus on maximizing the effective use of available resources, particularly the federal allocations, to uplift the living standards of its citizens. The federal government has continuously emphasized the need for states to diversify their revenue sources and invest in initiatives that will stimulate local economies and create opportunities for sustainable development.
“While we understand the concerns of the Governor, it is essential for all levels of government to align with national tax policies that aim to address the broader issues of economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction,” said the Presidential Spokesperson. “The people of Bauchi deserve better, and it is imperative that the state government focuses on improving governance, reducing poverty, and ensuring that the state fully benefits from the tax reforms that are designed to strengthen Nigeria’s economy.”