In a proactive move to address the implications of the National Tax Reform Bills introduced by the Presidency, the Kano State Government (KNSG) has convened a two-day Expert Dialogue to focus on crafting solutions tailored to Kano State’s unique economic landscape.
In a Press statement by the press Secretary to the Deputy Governor Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu
The event, held on January 20 and 21, 2025, at Northwest University, Kano, gathered specialists from academia, the business community, and legal fields to dissect the controversial reforms and their potential impacts on states.
Speaking at the opening session, Deputy Governor of Kano State, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo highlighted the need for state-focused approaches to the proposed reforms.
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According to him, while the bill aims to streamline taxation at the national level, some provisions could disadvantage states with less industrial activity compared to economic powerhouses like Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt.
“As a commercial hub, Kano has specific economic priorities that must be protected. This dialogue is vital to ensuring that our state’s interests are well-articulated and represented in national discussions,” Gwarzo stated.
The Deputy Governor emphasized that recommendations from the dialogue would provide valuable insights for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to present at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and, subsequently, the National Assembly.
Speaking earlier, Prof. Kabiru Isa Dandago, Chairman of the Technical Committee on the Tax Reform Bill Dialogue, stressed importance of leveraging local expertise to identify gaps in the proposed reforms.
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“This platform should focus on ensuring Kano’s economic stability while addressing lapses in the bill that may have been overlooked by the NGF,” he said.
Also speaking, Northwest University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mukhtar Atiku Kurawa praised the state’s initiative in prioritizing dialogue.
“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 endeavors,” he said.
