Sunday, 05 January 2025 04:47

Northern elders call for suspension of Tinubu’s ‘draconian’ Tax Reform Bills

Rate this item
(0 votes)

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has urged the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of its proposed Tax Reform Bills, citing a lack of stakeholder engagement and potential adverse impacts on the nation, particularly Northern Nigeria.

In a statement signed by the NEF’s Chairman of Management Board, A.M. Al-Amin Daggash, the forum criticized the government for sidelining critical voices and experts in the formulation of the reforms. It described the process as undemocratic and rushed, with insufficient public consultation.

“It is shocking that in this age, after nearly three decades of democratic governance, Nigeria is still grappling with a government that shows disdain for democratic discourse and freedom of expression,” Daggash stated.

The NEF accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of suppressing dissent and coercing the public into accepting what it called “draconian” tax policies. The forum argued that the reforms fail to adhere to global best practices, which require extensive engagement, transparency, and clear communication strategies.

“Successful reforms must include early consultations with experts and stakeholders, a robust communication strategy to educate the public, and a well-sequenced, transparent implementation mechanism,” the statement emphasized.

The NEF also highlighted concerns about the socioeconomic impact of the proposed reforms, particularly any increase in Value Added Tax (VAT). It warned that such measures could further reduce citizens’ purchasing power, fuel inflation, and exacerbate economic hardship.

“Until there is clear evidence of promised economic recovery, no VAT increase should be imposed,” the forum added.

The NEF called on the government to prioritize dialogue and collaboration with stakeholders to refine the tax reform proposals. It stressed that in a democracy, patriotic voices should be heard, not silenced.

The forum concluded by urging the government to adopt a more inclusive and thoughtful approach to ensure the proposed reforms align with the country’s broader economic and social objectives.

February 06, 2025

IBM exits Nigeria, others; transfers operations to another company

International Business Machines (IBM) Corporation, an American multinational technology company, has announced plans to exit…
February 01, 2025

Tinubu targeting opposition, not corruption — Atiku

Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticized the…
February 02, 2025

Moving away from BMI, experts propose a new definition for obesity

A group of global experts is proposing a new way to define and diagnose obesity,…
February 01, 2025

Humans to compete against humanoid robots at half-marathon

China’s capital city of Beijing is all set to host an interesting half-marathon that will…
February 03, 2025

Gunmen kill 10 in attack on Ebonyi community – Police

The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed the killing of 10 people in an attack…
February 06, 2025

Here’s the latest as Israel-Hamas war enters Day 489

Arab American, Muslim leaders decry Trump comments on Gaza U.S. Arab American and Muslim leaders,…
February 03, 2025

OpenAI introduces new AI tool to assist in research tasks

Leading generative artificial intelligence company OpenAI unveiled a new AI tool on Sunday named "Deep…
January 08, 2025

NFF appoints new Super Eagles head coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Éric Sékou Chelle as the new Head Coach…

NEWSSCROLL TEAM: 'Sina Kawonise: Publisher/Editor-in-Chief; Prof Wale Are Olaitan: Editorial Consultant; Femi Kawonise: Head, Production & Administration; Afolabi Ajibola: IT Manager;
Contact Us: [email protected] Tel/WhatsApp: +234 811 395 4049

Copyright © 2015 - 2025 NewsScroll. All rights reserved.