The Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration of displaying a troubling disregard for patriotic voices against the tax reforms agenda of the administration.
The NEF urged the government to halt the proposed Tax Reform Bills before the National Assembly, citing concerns of unfairness and potential economic impact.
A statement issued by the forum’s chairman, A.M. Al-Amin Daggash, recommended that the federal government should suspend the implementation of the reforms to allow for broader consultations with stakeholders. It emphasized the need for a careful and inclusive approach to address concerns and redesign the implementation strategy.
“The rush to implement these tax reforms is unnecessary. Dialogue, quality contributions, and critical inputs from Nigerians should be prioritized before any decisions are made,” Daggash said.
The forum expressed opposition to the proposed increase in Value Added Tax (VAT), warning that it could erode purchasing power, fuel inflation, and increase interest rates.
Daggash noted that such measures should be postponed until the government demonstrates tangible economic recovery.
He also criticized the proposed VAT revenue-sharing formula, describing it as unjust to states where VAT is generated. According to him, VAT should be allocated based on consumption, ensuring fairness to contributing states.
Daggash further accused the Tinubu administration of disregarding dissenting opinions and using coercive tactics to push its policies. “The government has displayed a troubling disregard for patriotic voices and an inclination to suppress opposition,” he said.
While supporting reforms that align with global best practices, the NEF stated that the Tax Reform Bills fail to meet the standard of transparency and inclusivity required for effective policy-making.
The forum called on the federal government to revisit the reforms, ensuring that they reflect the interests and contributions of all Nigerians.
