The Kano State House of Assembly has firmly rejected the proposed tax reform bills being debated at the National Assembly. During a plenary session chaired by Speaker Isma’il Falgore, lawmakers expressed strong opposition to the bills after extensive discussions.

Lawan Husseini, the Majority Leader, raised a motion of urgent concern, highlighting that the tax reforms would hurt northern states instead of helping them. According to Husseini, the proposed VAT allocation system would give Lagos State and its surrounding areas about 80% of the VAT revenue. This would leave northern states with a much smaller share, further increasing economic struggles in the region.

Husseini emphasized that passing the bills could lead to northern states facing difficulties in paying salaries and dealing with rising poverty levels. He accused the Senate of pushing these reforms without considering their negative impact on northern states.

Other lawmakers, including Salisu Mohammed and Murtala Kadage, supported the motion. They urged northern members of the Senate and House of Representatives to unite and prevent the bills from becoming law. Mohammed suggested that the National Assembly focus on pressing issues like unemployment and insecurity instead of tax reforms that could deepen economic inequality.

The Assembly called for swift and decisive action from northern lawmakers and the Conference of Speakers to block the bills and protect the interests of the region.