Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has expressed strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills, which have sparked considerable debate, especially in northern Nigeria. Speaking at a Town Hall meeting hosted by the Christian Awareness Initiatives of Nigeria (CHAIN) in Kaduna on Thursday, Dogara reassured the public about the potential positive impact of the proposed reforms, particularly for the northern region.

Dogara dismissed concerns about the regional implications of the tax reforms, emphasizing that the focus should remain on national progress. He highlighted key provisions in the bills, such as the exemption from taxes for individuals earning less than N800,000 annually. According to Dogara, this move would significantly reduce the tax burden on the northern population, where a large portion of Nigerians fall into the lower income bracket.

Additionally, Dogara pointed out that businesses with monthly earnings below N50 million would also be excluded from tax payments, a move he believes will stimulate economic growth in the region. The former Speaker stressed that the reforms would create a more favorable environment for business, encourage new ventures, and generate employment, particularly in northern Nigeria, where unemployment rates are high.

In his address, Dogara painted a picture of an economy where more businesses thrive, more jobs are created, and the burden of taxation on struggling communities is eased. With these reforms, Dogara sees a future where the northern region, often grappling with economic challenges, can experience significant improvements in employment and overall economic activity.