Northern Elders Demand Suspension of Tax Reform Bills, Give Reasons

The Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) has called for the suspension of the proposed Tax Reform Bills by the Federal Government, citing concerns over the potential negative impact on Northern Nigeria and the country as a whole. In a statement issued on Saturday, the Forum criticized the government for failing to engage critical stakeholders and experts during the drafting process. The statement, signed by the Chairman of the Management Board, A.M. Al-Amin Daggash, also highlighted the lack of proper consultation with Nigerians across various regions.

Daggash expressed frustration with the way the reforms have been handled, pointing to what he described as an alarming disregard for democratic processes. He noted that, despite widespread contributions from citizens across the six geopolitical zones, the government had failed to adequately consider these voices, instead pressing ahead with its proposals. Daggash also criticized the government’s approach under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing it of stifling dissent and imposing policies without sufficient public discourse.

The Forum emphasized that Nigerians, particularly those from the North, were not opposed to reform but insisted that successful reforms must be based on global best practices, including extensive stakeholder engagement and transparent communication. They also called for clear and inclusive implementation mechanisms to ensure that the reforms achieve their intended outcomes.

NEF further stated that the proposed tax increases, particularly on consumption, would harm the purchasing power of citizens, exacerbate inflation, and increase interest rates. They urged the Federal Government to suspend the rush to implement these tax reforms, suggesting instead that a broader dialogue be conducted to address the concerns of various stakeholders. The Forum argued that any increase in VAT should be postponed until there is clear evidence of economic recovery, as promised by the government.