Governors Back Tax Reform Bills, Endorsed Revised Value Added Tax
COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE SUBNATIONAL CONSULTATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT WITH THE PRESIDENTIAL TAX REFORM COMMITTEE.
We, members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and presidential tax reform committee, convened on the 16th of January2025 to deliberate on critical national issues, including the reform of Nigeria’s fiscal policies and tax system, and arrived at the following resolutions:
1. The Forum reiterated its strong support for the comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s archaic tax laws. Members acknowledged the importance of modernizing the tax system to enhance fiscal stability and align with global best practices.
2. The Forum endorsed a revised Value Added Tax (VAT)sharing formula to ensure equitable distribution of resources: o 50% based on equality, o 30% based on derivation, and o 20% based on population.
3 Members agreed that there should be no increase in the VAT rate or reduction in Corporate Income Tax (CIT) at this time, tomaintain economic stability. The Forum advocated for the continued exemption of essential goods and agriculturalproduce from VAT to safeguard the welfare of citizens and promote agricultural productivity.
4. The meeting recommended that there should be no terminalclause for TETFUND, NASENI, and NITDA in the sharing ofdevelopment levies in the bills.
5. The meeting supports the continuation of the legislativeprocess at the National Assembly that will culminate in. theeventual passage of the Tax Reform Bills.
𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐝
H.E. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq
Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum & Governor of Kwara State.
