Northern Elders’ Forum Responds to Proposed Tax Reform Bills

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) has issued a statement on the proposed Tax Reform Bills, emphasizing their concerns about the potential negative impact on Northern Nigeria. The Forum asserts that the government has failed to follow global best practices in its formulation of the bills, which are seen as hurried and lacking sufficient public engagement.

While the Forum acknowledges the need for reforms, it criticizes the government’s approach, particularly the lack of comprehensive dialogue with key stakeholders, transparency, and a clear communication strategy. The NEF stresses that successful reforms require careful planning and engagement with experts and the public.

The proposed Tax Reform Bills consist of four components: the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill. These reforms are intended to improve tax collection and revenue generation but have sparked controversy, particularly in the North, where widespread poverty, insecurity, and unemployment already strain the population.

The Forum calls for the immediate suspension of the bills to allow for more extensive consultations. They also recommend that VAT increases be postponed until there is clear evidence of economic recovery. Additionally, NEF objects to the proposed revenue-sharing formula and advocates for the protection of strategic national institutions like TETFund, NITDA, and NASENI.

Further, NEF urges the government to reconsider provisions related to religious organizations, agricultural goods, and livestock, which disproportionately affect the North.

The Northern Elders’ Forum remains committed to fostering inclusive and fair policies that promote national unity and economic development.