Tax reform bills: Northern politicians warn against politicking, blackmail
Northern groups, including Nigeria First Project Initiative, Muryar Talaka Awareness Initiative and the Coalition of Northern Nigerian Students Forum, have warned politicians against blackmailing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration using tax reform bills.
The groups also warned against creating unnecessary tension in the polity by advancing their 2027 political ambitions.
In a communique issued on Thursday, at the end of a one day engagement with youth groups, students and community-based organisations by the aforementioned groups at Arewa House, Kaduna, the group said the tax reform bills, if implemented effectively, could significantly enhance the country’s revenue base, reduce over-dependence on oil revenue and ensure a more equitable tax system.
According to the communique, participants at the one day engagement recognized that the benefits of the Tax Reform Bills are crucial for long-term fiscal stability and sustainable development in the country
The communique reads: “On Thursday, 16th January 2025, representatives of credible and non-partisan pan-Nigerian civil society organizations, including youth and student groups from across the seven states of Northwest Nigeria, convened at Arewa House, the historic residence of the Sardauna of Sokoto and the first Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello.
“The gathering focused on the theme: Tax Reform Bills: Between the Facts and Politics. The symposium was organized in response to the ongoing debates surrounding the tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly.
“Participants acknowledged the public debate sparked by the four tax reform bills presented to the National Assembly by the Executive arm of government. Such debates are integral to a democratic process and citizen participation in law-making is commendable.
“Participants recognized that the tax reform bills, if implemented effectively, could significantly enhance the country’s revenue base, reduce over-dependence on oil revenue and ensure a more equitable tax system. The reforms aim to simplify Nigeria’s tax structure, broaden the tax net to include more sectors, and encourage compliance while supporting economic growth. These benefits are crucial for long-term fiscal stability and sustainable development in the country.
“Regrettably, the discourse on the tax reform bills has been heavily politicized, regionalized and ethnically charged. Self-proclaimed regional and ethnic champions have infused toxic politics and sentiments into the debate, thereby overshadowing quality contributions that could benefit the people and improve the economy.
“Certain political actors are deliberately manipulating public sentiment, disguising personal interests under the guise of regional or national concern. This has shifted the debate from a focus on tax reforms to an agenda centered on the 2027 general elections.
“The tax reform bills are being misused as tools for blackmail, undermining the President, issuing subtle threats and stirring ethnic and regional divisions—actions that neither reflect Northern values nor serve the region’s best interests.
“Northern Nigeria is undeniably rich in natural resources, fertile soil, a favorable climate, a large population and a vibrant cultural heritage. If fully harnessed, these resources could render the region economically self-sufficient, as was the case during the First Republic.
“The fundamental challenge facing Northern Nigeria lies in leadership failures at the sub-national level, which have hindered the effective utilization of the region’s abundant resources to uplift the majority.
“The tax reform bills present an opportunity for the North—a call to action for its leaders to explore innovative strategies for harnessing the region’s vast potential.”
The communique further stated: “Participants urge caution and restraint in the ongoing debate over the tax reform bills. The general public is advised to disregard divisive rhetoric propagated by agents of discord seeking to exploit this issue for political gain.
“Northerners are encouraged to actively participate in the upcoming public hearings on the tax bills. Citizens should present their views constructively and engage lawmakers through established democratic channels, as advised by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Northern states should diversify their revenue sources to reduce dependence on federal allocations. State governors and leaders should prioritize agricultural development, leveraging the region’s potential in value chains such as cotton and groundnuts to boost productivity.
“Northern states should capitalize on federal government policies on solid minerals and livestock development to generate income, employment and revenue.
“Participants commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiatives such as the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development, appointing a Northerner to head the ministry, creating the Northwest Development Commission, championing local government autonomy and introducing a student loan scheme.
“Nigerians, particularly Northerners, should be wary of political actors using the tax reform debate as a platform to advance their ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The participants emphasized the importance of accountability, transparency and visionary leadership, particularly from state governors in Northern Nigeria. Only transparent and committed governance can lift the region out of its current economic and social challenges.”