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Northern Youth Groups Decry Politicisation of Tax Reform Bills

January 17, 2025

 

A coalition of northern youth groups, students, and community-based organizations has cautioned against the politicisation of the tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly, urging stakeholders to focus on national interest.

The coalition, which included representatives from the seven states of North-West Nigeria, made this call during a one-day engagement held at Arewa House, Kaduna, on Thursday.

Speaking at the event, the National Coordinator of the Nigeria First Project Initiative, Hamza Saulawa, emphasized the importance of the proposed tax reform bills while warning against attempts to use the debate for political gain.

“The tax reform bills have the potential to enhance the country’s revenue base, reduce dependence on oil revenue, and ensure a more equitable tax system. However, we are concerned that the discourse has been heavily politicised, regionalised, and ethnically charged,” Saulawa said.

He was flanked by the National Secretary of the Initiative, Bishir Dauda, and the Coordinator of the Coalition of Northern Nigerian Students Forum, Sadi Garba, during the reading of the event’s communique.

The group accused certain political figures of manipulating public sentiment by disguising personal interests as regional or national concerns. They alleged that these actors were shifting focus from genuine tax reforms to advance their ambitions for the 2027 general elections.

“We urge caution and restraint in the debate, advising the public to disregard divisive rhetoric propagated by agents of discord seeking to exploit this issue for political gain,” the communique stated.

The coalition encouraged Northerners to actively participate in the upcoming public hearings on the tax bills, emphasizing the importance of presenting constructive feedback to ensure inclusive policies.

Additionally, the group called on Northern states to diversify their revenue base by prioritizing agriculture, solid minerals, and livestock development to achieve economic self-sufficiency.

“Northern states have the potential to be economically self-sufficient, but this requires visionary leadership and a commitment to transparency and accountability,” the communique added.

The coalition also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiatives aimed at fostering regional development, including the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development and the creation of the Northwest Development Commission.

“We appreciate the President’s efforts to address the economic and social challenges facing Northern Nigeria. However, we must ensure that these initiatives are implemented effectively and that the benefits are felt by the people,” Saulawa said.

The event concluded with a call for greater accountability and collaboration among Northern leaders to secure a prosperous future for the region.

Written by Adeyemi Adewale




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