Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, has dismissed concerns that the proposed tax reform bills will disadvantage the northern region of Nigeria.
In an interview, Bwala, a native of Borno State, expressed his dismay over the perception that the tax reforms represent a conflict between the North and South, attributing this narrative to misinterpretations rather than factual reporting.
He stated, “As someone from the North, I find it troubling that there is a narrative suggesting these tax reforms are aimed at harming the northern region. In reality, many northerners, spanning various areas including the North-Central and North-West, have expressed support for these bills.”
Bwala emphasized that the aim of the proposed reforms is to alleviate the challenges faced by impoverished individuals. “The accusation that these reforms will deepen poverty in the North is misleading. On the contrary, they are designed to tackle the very issues that the poor contend with.”
He further elaborated on his concerns regarding poverty, stating, “The discussions in the North often suggest that these reforms will lead to increased hardship, but the truth is that the tax structure is structured to benefit those in need.”
Bwala speculated that the opposition to the reforms might be politically motivated, suggesting that some groups may be using the situation as leverage for negotiations with the President on various matters. “It seems to me that some of this resistance is more about playing politics for bargaining power rather than genuine concern,” he remarked.
