North Supporting Tax Reform Bills
As opposition grows against the proposed Tax Reform Bills in the National Assembly, influential Northern groups have expressed concerns over the potential economic implications for the region.
These groups, while acknowledging the importance of tax reforms, have insisted on specific conditions to ensure the measures do not exacerbate the North’s existing economic challenges.
The opposition stems from concerns over how the reforms may exacerbate Northern Nigeria’s economic challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and insufficient access to education and healthcare.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that groups such as the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), and Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) have called for measures to address systemic inequalities before supporting the bills.
In response to these concerns, President Bola Tinubu directed the Ministry of Justice to collaborate with NASS in reviewing the bills. The proposed laws, which aim to overhaul Nigeria’s tax system, include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024 and related legislations.
NEF spokesperson Abdul-Azeez Suleiman emphasized that genuine negotiations rooted in inclusivity, transparency, and accountability are essential to address the region’s socio-economic issues. He warned that a simple cessation of opposition without structural solutions would not guarantee sustainable peace.
“The North grapples with entrenched poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and limited opportunities. These reforms, without targeted alleviation measures, risk deepening inequalities,” Suleiman said. He also urged the government to involve diverse Northern stakeholders in consultations and provide clear plans for utilizing tax revenues to benefit the region.
Similarly, AYCF President Yerima Shettima criticized the lack of consultation during the formulation of the bills, describing it as a failure to address the North’s concerns. He stressed that any increased taxation must be accompanied by equitable distribution of resources and infrastructure improvements.
“Despite our significant contributions to the national economy, the North has historically received less in return. Increased taxes without addressing these imbalances will worsen existing disparities,” Shettima stated.
The ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad Baba, advocated for dialogue on contentious aspects of the bills. He urged all parties to approach negotiations with sincerity to ensure equitable outcomes.
Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills
Borno’s Revenue Service Chairman, Prof. Ibrahim Bello Alhaji, highlighted the economic disadvantages of Northern states compared to regions like the Southwest, which benefits from industrialization and infrastructure. He warned that the proposed reforms could widen income inequality and undermine weaker states’ economic stability.
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