Presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga has reacted to claims that President Bola Tinubu’s controversial tax reform bills will make Lagos and Rivers richer than other states.

Defending the bills on Monday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, expressed regret that in the last few weeks, various political actors and commentators have tried to obfuscate the facts, deliberately misinforming and misleading the public.

The presidential spokesperson said most of the reactions are not grounded in facts, reality, or sufficient knowledge of the bills.

He lamented that while some commentators have attempted to incite the people against lawmakers, others have polarised one section of the country against another.

Giving further insight into the policy, Onanuga reiterated that the tax reform bills will not make Lagos or Rivers more affluent than other parts of the country, as recklessly canvassed.

He assured that the bills would not destroy the economy of any section of the country. Instead, they aim to enhance the quality of life for Nigerians, especially the disadvantaged, who are trying to make a living.

“For decades, businesses, investors, and private sector players in Nigeria have complained of being overburdened by a myriad of taxes and levies, including those earmarked to fund various government agencies and initiatives,” the presidential media aide stated.

He insisted that the multiple taxes complicate the economic environment, making Nigeria uncompetitive for investment and preventing many businesses from growing or continuing their operations.