A Coalition of Northern Groups, CNG, and civil society organizations have rejected the proposed tax reform bills sent to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu for legislative approval’
CNG at a town hall meeting on Thursday in Kaduna, theme: “Tax Reform Bills: A Catalyst for Economic Growth or a Burden on the People?”, said that the bill and other related policies will deepen economic hardship, marginalize regions, and undermine national unity.
The meeting, which had a cross-section of policymakers, academics and civil society actors, as well as community leaders, youth groups, and concerned citizens deliberated on the implications of the proposed tax reform bills, and stressed the need for equitable, inclusive, and people-centred reforms that prioritize sustainable development and the well-being of all Nigerians.
According to the deputy Director General of the Northern Elders Forum, Salisu Nuhu, “The standard of living of many Nigerians has been going down since the introduction of some economic policies by the President Bola Tinubu administration, including the petrol subsidy removal, electricity tariffs increase and devaluation of the Naira among others.
“The notion of tax is not new to any of us, it is the price we pay for living in a civilized society. However, the framework within which we gather and utilize these resources is what determines whether tax becomes a catalyst for economic growth or a burden on our people,” he added.
He further said, “The proposed Tax Reform Bills have faced opposition from various stakeholders, including the National Economic Council, the Northern Governors’ Forum, and the South East Caucus of the Senate; and Religious leaders, NGOs, CSOs, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) among others.”
Participants expressed profound concerns over the potential socioeconomic consequences of the reforms, highlighting the heavy burden they may impose on already struggling citizens and businesses in the northern region due to the introduction of some economic policies by the President Tinubu’s administration.
In his remarks, the National Coordinator of Coalition of Northern groups, Jamilu Charanchi, observed that the proposed tax reform bills, far from being catalysts for economic growth, would increase the existing economic challenges facing the North and Nigeria as a whole.
He argued that the reforms are likely to deepen poverty, increase unemployment, and stifle local businesses already grappling with economic hardship.
Charanchi who also kicked against the proposed telecommunications tariff hike by the Federal Government, vowing that the North would vehemently oppose the plan, observed that the reforms appeared to disproportionately target Northern Nigeria, raising suspicions about their intent.
“The region, already lagging in economic development, would bear a significant share of the economic burden, further marginalizing its population,” he said.
