The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has once again expressed its strong opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bill, reiterating its position that the bill should be immediately withdrawn. The elders, representing the interests of the northern region of Nigeria, have thrown their weight behind the 19 state governors and traditional monarchs who have also called for the bill’s reconsideration.
The NEF’s stance comes in the wake of growing concerns over the potential negative impact of the tax reform on the economic well-being of Nigerians, particularly in northern states. The bill, which aims to overhaul the nation’s tax system, has been criticized for its perceived burden on the citizenry, particularly at a time when many Nigerians are already grappling with economic hardships.
The Northern Elders Forum, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, stressed that the proposed tax reforms would disproportionately affect the most vulnerable segments of the population. They also highlighted the lack of sufficient consultation with regional stakeholders and the failure to address pressing issues of unemployment, poverty, and inadequate infrastructure in the northern part of the country.
“The tax reform bill, as currently proposed, poses a significant threat to the livelihoods of many Nigerians, particularly those in the northern states who are already facing systemic challenges,” said the NEF spokesperson. “We stand in solidarity with the 19 governors and our respected monarchs in their call for the withdrawal of the bill and a more inclusive approach to fiscal reform.”
The Forum further emphasized the importance of engaging with regional leaders, experts, and the broader Nigerian public before implementing any tax measures that could potentially exacerbate social and economic inequalities. It called for a comprehensive national dialogue to ensure that any tax reform would benefit all regions equitably, and not place undue pressure on the most economically vulnerable groups.
The Northern Elders Forum also cautioned against hasty policymaking, urging the federal government to consider alternative means of generating revenue and fostering economic growth that do not place a disproportionate burden on Nigerians already struggling to make ends meet.