The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), alongside 134 civil society organisations (CSOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), has demanded the immediate withdrawal of President Tinubu’s proposed Tax Reform Bills, citing concerns over their potential impact on Nigeria’s socioeconomic stability, particularly in the North.
This position was outlined in a communique issued after a town hall meeting held in Gombe on Monday. Themed “Tax Reform Bills: A Catalyst for Economic Growth or a Burden on the People?” the meeting brought together stakeholders who highlighted the potential adverse effects of the proposed reforms on the already fragile regional economy.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Comrade Muhammed Sanusi Ali, who signed the communique, stated that the reforms would aggravate poverty, increase financial pressures on citizens and businesses, and further marginalize the North.
Participants raised concerns about the proposed amendment to the Value Added Tax (VAT) distribution formula, describing it as unjust and disproportionately favorable to certain regions while disadvantaging others. They also criticized plans to defund key agencies such as the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI). These institutions are seen as vital for fostering education, technology, and innovation in the region.
The communique also flagged ambiguous terms within the proposed reforms, including “derivation,” “family wealth,” and “ecclesiastic,” arguing that the lack of clarity could lead to arbitrary enforcement and undermine policy coherence.
The coalition recommended the immediate withdrawal of the bills and called for inclusive consultations with stakeholders to craft reforms that better reflect the realities of all Nigerians. They further urged Northern lawmakers to oppose the proposals, warning that neglecting these concerns could deepen economic disparities and destabilize the region.
The Federal Government has not yet issued a response to the demands raised at the meeting.