The Oyo State Government has expressed its full support for the recommendation by the National Economic Council (NEC) to withdraw proposed tax bills for broader consultation. This development highlights the state’s commitment to ensuring that fiscal reforms are inclusive and reflective of public interests.
Speaking on Sunday, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser on Media to Governor Seyi Makinde, reaffirmed the government’s alignment with the NEC’s position. Olanrewaju explained that the decision was a collective resolution by the council, which included both current and former governors, and was articulated by Governor Makinde during the council’s recent meeting.
“Well, I don’t have a response to whether this will impact the payment of civil servants’ salaries or not,” Olanrewaju stated. “However, I would like to remind you that the council advised the President to withdraw the bills for further discussions and consultations. My governor, Seyi Makinde, presented the council’s position, which remains the stance of the Oyo State Government.”
Olanrewaju emphasized that the call for wider consultations is not a rejection of the proposed reforms but an effort to enhance their effectiveness. “The governor was not advocating for an outright halt to the reforms. Instead, he stressed the importance of addressing existing imbalances and aligning the reforms with the needs of the people. This requires comprehensive stakeholder engagement,” he added.
While questions linger about the potential implications of this decision on the state’s finances, particularly regarding salary payments, Olanrewaju refrained from making definitive comments.
The NEC’s recommendation underscores the importance of inclusive governance and deliberative processes in implementing policies with far-reaching implications. Oyo State’s support reflects its dedication to ensuring that reforms benefit all stakeholders equitably.
