By Adadareporters
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has sounded a note of warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tax reform policies.
According to him, the reforms were potentially detrimental to states and warned of a united front against federal overreach.
Speaking during a state function in Bauchi, Mohammed criticized aspects of the reform that he claimed undermined the fiscal autonomy of states while disproportionately favouring the federal government.
According to him, “The current tax reform is not only hasty but unfair in its design. It risks concentrating revenue streams at the centre while depriving states like Bauchi of the funds needed to cater to our people. If this continues, we will have no choice but to show our true colours in defence of our state’s interests.”
The governor’s remarks followed the Tinubu administration’s push to harmonize tax collection, reduce multiple taxation, and enhance transparency in revenue generation.
The governor argued that the reforms ignored the unique challenges faced by subnational governments, particularly in northern states with limited internally generated revenue (IGR).
He said, “Our challenges are not the same as Lagos or Rivers. Bauchi depends heavily on federal allocations to sustain critical projects. By centralizing tax reforms without accommodating local realities, the federal government risks widening the developmental gap between regions.”
Mohammed called for a review of the reform process to include broader consultations with state governments.
“This is a democracy, and decisions affecting the fiscal health of the entire federation cannot be made unilaterally,” he emphasised.
“We demand an approach that reflects true federalism, where every tier of government has the resources and autonomy to fulfil its mandate.”
He however clarified that his remarks were not a call for conflict but a plea for fairness.
In his words, “This is not about challenging the president or his administration. It is about ensuring equity in resource allocation and preserving the federal character of governance.”
