Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, clarified on Sunday that the 36 state governors have called for broader consultation on President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills to ensure nationwide inclusivity, given the profound implications of the proposed reforms.
Makinde, speaking through his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, during a media chat on the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, emphasised that his position on the bills was reflective of the governors’ collective stance, not personal opposition.
On October 3, 2024, President Tinubu forwarded four tax reform bills to the National Assembly: the Nigeria Tax Bill, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill. These bills have sparked widespread debate, with stakeholders criticising certain provisions.
Makinde explained that the National Economic Council had resolved to request the withdrawal of the bills from the National Assembly to allow for broader stakeholder engagement.
“At the NEC meeting, we asked the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force about the status of the bills, and he confirmed they were already at the National Assembly,” Makinde said. “I asked, ‘If that’s the case, why are you just coming to us for approval?’ It amounted to putting the cart before the horse.”
He added, “We agreed that the bills should be withdrawn to enable broader consultations with stakeholders. This could lead to alignment, whether in their original form or with necessary adjustments based on stakeholder feedback.”
Makinde also addressed criticisms of his role, stating, “I was asked to explain our decision to withdraw the bills for consultation, but some people chose to focus on the messenger rather than the message.”
During the media chat, Makinde described the loss of 35 children in the December 18, 2024, Ibadan funfair tragedy as “monumental.” The incident, caused by a crowd crush at an event organised by the Naomi Silekunola Foundation, also left six others critically injured.
Makinde noted the similarity to the January 16, 2024, Bodija explosion, which claimed five lives, injured 77 people, and damaged 58 houses. The explosion was reportedly caused by explosives stored by illegal miners.
“These incidents could have been avoided if appropriate measures had been taken,” Makinde said, observing a minute of silence for the victims. He assured the public that investigations and legal processes were ongoing, albeit slow.
Makinde addressed allegations of land grabbing linked to the Circular Road project, asserting that his administration prioritised economic expansion.
“Some people have described me as a land grabber,” he said. “Ironically, those under investigation for land grabbing are the ones making these accusations. The Circular Road is not just another road; it will be the first motorway in Nigeria. The 32km stretch from Technical University to Badeku will have only two exit points, ensuring structured development along the corridor.”
Makinde reiterated his commitment to initiatives that benefit Oyo residents, even if they appear unpopular in the short term. “To break the cycle of poverty, we need to seize opportunities for lasting impact. Our state’s founding vision is one of prosperity, not poverty,” he said.
Makinde pledged to overhaul Oyo State’s education infrastructure in 2025, highlighting his administration’s consistent effort to exceed the UNESCO benchmark for budgetary allocation to education.
“We’ve rearranged resources to prioritise education because it’s critical to our development,” he said. However, he estimated that N60 billion is needed to address the sector’s challenges fully.
“For tertiary institutions, we are doing well, and I am satisfied,” Makinde added, promising to sustain investment in the sector for long-term growth.
