President Bola Tinubu has thanked the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) for their unanimous endorsement of the four tax reform bills before the National Assembly.
Tinubu described the governors’ collective support despite regional, ethnic, and political differences as a testament to their leadership and commitment to the unity of the country.
The commendation follows Thursday’s consultation between the NGF and the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy.
The governors, at the end of their meeting, endorsed the sharing of the VAT proceeds on the basis of 50 per cent equality, which is unchanged from what is currently in operation.
They also agreed to 30 per cent derivation from 20 per cent currently in operation and 60 per cent that was proposed by the Presidential Tax Reform Committee headed by Mr. Taiwo Oyedele.
The governors further agreed on 20 per cent sharing on a population basis, up from 30 per cent which is the current allocation before the tax reform proposal.
The tax reform deal came as the Senate, on Thursday, projected a N100trn aggregate expenditure for the 2026 fiscal year.
According to his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu gave special recognition to the Chairman of the NGF and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, for rallying support among his peers for the tax bills
The president also lauded the Progressive Governors Forum, the Northern Governors Forum, and other groups that contributed to the bipartisan resolution of controversies surrounding the bills.
Tinubu noted that the tax reform bills aim to promote national interests, improve Nigeria’s economic competitiveness, and attract local and foreign investments.
In other news, President Tinubu has expressed grief over the passing of Rt. Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives and representative of the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency in Ogun State.
Onanuga reportedly passed away on Wednesday after a brief illness.
She was the chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development during the 9th assembly and
Tinubu described the deceased as a dedicated public servant and a role model for women in politics, whose commitment to building a better Nigeria will remain unforgettable.
”She never stopped serving her constituency, and her passion for building a better Nigeria will remain unforgettable in the hearts of those who came in direct contact with her.
”Rep. Onanuga was also a role model for women in politics, demonstrating that with hard work, integrity, and dedication to just causes, women can be effective leaders in politics, ” the president said in a statement by Onanuga.
