The Democratic Front has commended the Nigeria Governors’ Forum for reaching a consensus with the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms over the tax reform bills.

In a statement by the forum’s Chairman, Danjuma Muhammad, on Saturday, the group said the deal was bound to lay divisive rhetoric on the tax reform to rest.

The group said, “Like many Nigerians, we at the Democratic Front can now heave a sigh of relief after the governors and members of the presidential committee reached an understanding on the tax reform. Most disturbing for us has been the divisive dimension of the debate, which centred on the contentious issue of value added tax derivation. We are, however, glad that President Tinubu’s decision to encourage a healthy national debate ahead of the public hearing paved the way for constructive engagements and wider consultations among stakeholders.’’

It said the position of the governors did not only signpost a cordial relationship between the federal and state governments, but also heralded a resolve by all sides to continue to work together for the common good.

The group said, “The unanimous support for the tax bills by the governors underscores their holistic determination to embrace President Tinubu’s economic reforms and vision of a prosperous and united Nigeria. We also urge them to extend similar support to other initiatives by the Tinubu administration, including local government autonomy.’’

It urged the National Assembly to expedite action on the tax reform bills to enhance ongoing economic reforms.

(NAN)