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Sheikh Gumi Supports Tax Reform Bills but Urges Changes to VAT for Fairness
Islamic cleric and scholar Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding the proposed Tax Reform Bills, which have faced strong opposition from northern governors, lawmakers, and traditional rulers.
The cleric described the bills as beneficial for all Nigerians, although he called for a review of the contentious Value Added Tax (VAT) component.
The Tax Reform Bills have sparked heated debates since they passed the second reading in the Senate last Thursday.
Northern leaders, including governors and members of the legislature, have expressed concern that the reforms could disproportionately impact their region.
Many traditional rulers have also voiced their apprehension, citing fears of economic imbalance and potential hardship for the already vulnerable populations in the North.
Addressing the matter on Tuesday, Sheikh Gumi emphasized that, while the tax bills are a step in the right direction for Nigeria’s economic progress, the contentious VAT provisions need careful reconsideration.
He stated that reviewing the VAT structure could alleviate the concerns of northern stakeholders without undermining the broader benefits of the proposed reforms.
In his words, “The Tax Reform Bills are fundamentally a good package for the nation.
However, the Value Added Tax element, which has raised significant concerns, should be reassessed to ensure it does not unfairly burden any region or group of people.”
Nigerian politician Peter Obi speaks on the increase in the cost of living in Nigeria and shared how more Nigerians are now hungry and the hunger crisis is increasing in the country.
He stated, “Despite three years of Tinubu’s food emergency, Nigeria’s hunger ranking index declined to among the worst nations globally.”
“Yet the outcome of this has been the opposite. Nigeria’s hunger index has worsened significantly. Nigeria’s hunger index ranking was 103rd out of 123 countries surveyed in 2022/2023, and this figure has since worsened to 115th out of 123 countries surveyed in 2025/2026.”
The U.S. government has released a warning to social media influencers who will be coming to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The government placed a rule on creating content to make money while using a tourist visa and stated that it could lead to deportation back to their country.
It can be noted that the World Cup will be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“People who enter the United States under a visitor program and receive income from a U.S. source would be violating the conditions of their admission status.”
Nigerian businessman Isaac Fayose has spoken about what he considers one of the country’s biggest problems, stating that many Nigerians are worried about government taxation, insecurity, and the increasing rate of kidnappings for ransom.
He lamented the situation and criticized the government, arguing that these issues have become deeply rooted and that there appears to be no lasting solution in sight.
According to him “In Nigeria we have two governments. One is collecting tax, the other one is collecting ransom. Both of them have one thing in common which is to make life difficult for their people.
The one that is collecting tax without doing anything will come and share you rice and semolina. The one that is collecting ransom is doing giveaway on social media.”
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