The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) convened an in-person meeting at its Secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday night to discuss pressing issues, including the controversial tax reform bills.

Fifteen governors, primarily from the All Progressives Congress (APC), were present at the meeting. Notable attendees included Governor Alex Otti of Abia State (Labour Party) and Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State (All Progressives Grand Alliance), representing the opposition.

Although the meeting’s agenda was not disclosed to journalists, it is believed to have focused on the tax reform bills introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration. These bills have sparked widespread controversy and opposition from various quarters, including the 36 state governors under the aegis of the National Economic Council (NEC).

Northern governors have also voiced strong objections, calling for specific sections of the bills to be withdrawn. The reforms have been criticised for their perceived potential to burden states and local governments with additional responsibilities without adequate provisions for implementation.