Tax Reform: “We’ll show Tinubu our true colours in defence of our state” – Bala Mohammed
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has issued a strong response to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tax reform policies.
He said 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.
“The current tax reform is not only hasty but unfair in its design,” Mohammed stated.
“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.
However, Mohammed contended that the reforms ignored the unique challenges faced by subnational governments, particularly in northern states with limited internally generated revenue (IGR).
“Our challenges are not the same as Lagos or Rivers,” he argued.
“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.”
While his tone appeared confrontational, the governor clarified that his remarks were not a call for conflict but a plea for fairness.
“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,” Mohammed explained.
