The Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) has called on the Federal Government to immediately suspend its proposed Tax Reform Bills, citing inadequate stakeholder engagement and potential negative impacts on Northern Nigeria and the country at large.
In a statement issued on Saturday, NEF Chairman Al-Amin Daggash emphasized the importance of inclusive consultations and adherence to global best practices in policy-making.
“While Nigerians, including Northerners, are not opposed to meaningful reforms, such initiatives must follow due process,” Daggash stated. He highlighted several prerequisites for successful reforms, including extensive early engagement with experts, a clear communication strategy, and a transparent, inclusive implementation mechanism.
The forum expressed concern that the current approach to the Tax Reform Bills lacked these fundamental elements, making the process inconsistent with best practices globally.
“The proposed Tax Reform Bills were clearly in breach of these principles,” the statement added, urging the government to prioritize national unity and economic stability by revisiting the reforms through a collaborative process.
The NEF warned that implementing the reforms without proper engagement could exacerbate economic challenges, particularly in the North, where many communities are already grappling with poverty and underdevelopment.
The forum also stressed the need for public awareness campaigns to ensure citizens understand the implications and benefits of any policy changes.
The Federal Government is yet to officially respond to NEF’s demands. However, the proposed reforms are part of a broader strategy to boost revenue generation and address fiscal challenges.
Other regional and economic groups have echoed similar sentiments, urging the government to reconsider its approach and ensure reforms are inclusive and beneficial to all Nigerians.
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