The Coalition of Northern Groups and civil society organisations have rejected the proposed tax reform bills sent to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu for legislative approval, stating that the bill and other related policies will deepen economic hardship, marginalise regions, and undermine national unity.
Speaking at a town hall meeting on Thursday in Kaduna, the groups emphasised the need for equitable, inclusive, and people-centred reforms that prioritise sustainable development and the well-being of all Nigerians.
The town hall meeting provided a platform for robust deliberations on the theme: “Tax Reform Bills: A Catalyst for Economic Growth or a Burden on the People?”
It brought together a cross-section of policymakers, academics, civil society actors, community leaders, youth groups, and concerned citizens to deliberate on the implications of the proposed tax reform bills.
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 Bola Tinubu administration .
In his remark, the deputy director general of the Northern Elders Forum, Salisu Nuhu, lamented that 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 civilised society. However, the framework within which we gather and utilise these resources is what determines whether tax becomes a catalyst for economic growth or a burden on our people,” he said.
“The proposed Tax Reform Bills have faced opposition from various stakeholders, including the National Economic Council, the Northern Governors’ Forum, South East Caucus of the Senate, Religious leaders, NGOs, CSOs, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and many more.”
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 agued that the reforms are likely to deepen poverty, increase unemployment, and stifle local businesses already grappling with economic hardship.
Charanchi 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 marginalising its population,” he said.
He also kicked against the proposed telecommunications tariff hike by the Federal Government, vowing that the North would vehemently oppose the plan.
