The Kano State Government hosted a two-day Expert Dialogue to discuss the implications of the National Tax Reform Bills introduced by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.
The event brought together specialists from academia, the business community, and the legal sector to examine the potential impacts of the reforms on states, with a focus on crafting tailored solutions for Kano’s economic landscape.
At the opening session, Kano State’s Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, emphasized the need for state-specific approaches to the reforms. “As a commercial hub, Kano has specific economic priorities that must be protected. This dialogue is crucial to ensuring that our state’s interests are effectively articulated and represented in national discussions,” Gwarzo remarked.
He further stressed that recommendations from the dialogue would serve as valuable insights for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who would present them at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the National Assembly.
Prof. Kabiru Isa Dandago, Chairman of the Technical Committee on the Tax Reform Bill Dialogue, highlighted the importance of leveraging local expertise to identify gaps in the proposed reforms. “This platform should focus on ensuring Kano’s economic stability while addressing any gaps in the bill that may have been overlooked by the NGF,” Dandago stated.
Prof. Mukhtar Atiku Kurawa, Vice-Chancellor of Northwest University, commended the state’s proactive approach to the issue. “Kano’s status as a center of commerce makes it imperative to develop taxation strategies that align with both state and national development goals. We are committed to supporting such efforts,” Kurawa noted.
The dialogue provided an opportunity for experts to discuss how the National Tax Reform Bills can address the specific needs and challenges faced by Kano, a state with unique economic characteristics compared to other major Nigerian cities such as Lagos and Port Harcourt.
