Why We Backed Tinubu's Tax Reform - Barau Jibrin

Senator Barau Jibrin Explains Tax Reform and National Development

Senator Barau Jibrin, the Deputy Senate President, has provided detailed insights into the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's tax reform by the National Assembly. He emphasized that the reform aims to expand national revenue, strengthen the economy, and improve funding for critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

This explanation came during a distinguished personality lecture organized by the Department of Political Science at the University of Ilorin. The event featured a Q&A session with students, who inquired about the benefits of the tax policy for young Nigerians and the steps lawmakers are taking to reduce inequality.

Senator Jibrin, who joined the session virtually due to technical issues with his flight, explained that the new tax policy is designed to shift the country's focus from reliance on petroleum to exploring untapped sectors. He noted that these sectors would contribute more effectively to national earnings, creating additional revenue for essential services.

He highlighted that the reform would generate funds for education, healthcare, road construction, and industrial development. According to him, the economic activities stemming from these investments would create more jobs for young Nigerians. "The reform will translate into significant economic growth and enhance national prosperity once fully implemented," he stated.

Jibrin further elaborated that the tax policy is crafted to allow the country to have more revenue and ensure it looks inward rather than depending on petroleum alone. He mentioned that there are many potential areas that will contribute to the tax base, improving the country's revenue. Once the tax laws begin to get implemented, there will be more money to fund education, healthcare, build more roads, and establish more companies that will create jobs.

"This will create more activities for the economy, and by the time you leave school, you will have jobs," he said.

Addressing Claims of Christian Genocide

On the claim of Christian genocide, the Deputy Senate President clarified that the crisis in Nigeria is a result of criminality and not targeted persecution. He added that more Muslims have been killed by Boko Haram and other criminal groups. Jibrin insisted that the government did not act based on comments made by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Instead, he emphasized that all arms of government have been working together on security long before the statement.

He also pointed out that insecurity has a global dimension and is not unique to Nigeria. Citing developments in countries such as Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Benin Republic, and even the United States, he stressed that the issue is widespread.

Strengthening Democracy and Governance

Senator Jibrin emphasized that the parliament will continue to strengthen democracy through effective oversight, checks and balances, and purposeful representation. He stated that the legislature must remain strong, independent, and accountable to sustain public trust and ensure good governance.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole (SAN), urged students to apply the lessons from the lecture to contribute to national development. He reaffirmed the university's readiness to support efforts that promote nation building.

The Acting Head of the Department of Political Science, Dr Abdulkareem Edun, said the institution remains committed to training students who can contribute meaningfully to the country's political development. He thanked the Deputy Senate President for granting the request for the establishment of a student legislative chamber, installation of solar power, and the endowment of a scholarship in his honour.

Community Recognition and Student Appreciation

A representative of the Kano and Hausa community at the university, Mallam Sani Ali, described Senator Jibrin as a generous leader whose patience and character have distinguished him. The President of the National Association of Political Science Students, Hellen Agbudeloye, thanked the Deputy Senate President for honouring the lecture and attending to the concerns of students despite his tight schedule.