Northern Elders Urge FG to Halt Tax Reform Bills, Demand Stakeholder Dialogue

NEF reiterated its position that the Tax Reform Bills should be suspended until the concerns of stakeholders and experts are adequately addressed through dialogue.

Abuja, Nigeria – The Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) has once again called on the Federal Government to suspend its proposed Tax Reform Bills, citing a lack of engagement with critical stakeholders and experts prior to drafting the reforms.

In a statement released on Saturday, NEF’s Chairman of the Management Board, Al-Amin Daggash, outlined the forum’s concerns, emphasizing that the reforms could have significant negative implications for Northern Nigeria and the country at large.

Daggash stressed that while Nigerians, including Northerners, are not opposed to meaningful reforms, the proposed measures fall short of the principles that underpin successful policy changes globally.

“Practical experiences teach us that successful reforms adhere to global best practices, which include extensive early engagement with stakeholders and experts, clear communication strategies, transparent implementation mechanisms, and well-sequenced processes,” the statement read.

NEF criticized the Federal Government for bypassing these critical steps, arguing that the proposed reforms lack the necessary groundwork to secure public support and achieve the desired outcomes.

The forum further urged the government to prioritize nationwide public awareness and mass enlightenment about the reforms, while ensuring that the implementation process is inclusive and robust.

In conclusion, NEF reiterated its position that the Tax Reform Bills should be suspended until the concerns of stakeholders and experts are adequately addressed through dialogue.