A Northern Coalition Group, on Tuesday expressed strong support for the proposed tax reform bills, emphasizing their potential to address the long-standing issues in Nigeria’s tax system. The group, during a peaceful protest outside the National Assembly complex in Abuja, urged federal lawmakers from the 19 northern states to back the bills and expedite their passage.
Chairman of the coalition, Malam Tijani Kabiru Mohammed, in his address to journalists, stated that the tax reforms were crucial for national development and should be supported by all Nigerians. He called for swift action by lawmakers to ensure the reforms are enacted.
The tax reform bills have sparked controversy, particularly among northern lawmakers, led by Senator Ali Ndume, who has advocated for their immediate withdrawal. Ndume raised concerns about the timing of the reforms and the variation in the Value Added Tax (VAT), pointing to opposition from the Governors Forum and traditional rulers.
However, Mohammed while speaking with journalists said the tax reform bills from all indication is in order and meant well for the people of the North.
“We are here today from all the nineteen northern states of the country in solidarity with the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau on the Tax Reform Bills. The Tax Reform Bills are in order and Nigerians from all walks of life should work towards its perfection and passage.
“For so long, we have lived on a tax system that has not produced anything good or meaningful for this nation. We from the North are totally in support of this bills,” he said.
He said, the group will continue to move round all the states in the North to canvass support for the tax reform bills.
Mohammed also advised those who are kicking against the Tax Reform Bills to reconsider their stand and look into the bills again to ensure it’s passage.
The coalition, which includes representatives from all 19 northern states, pledged to continue its advocacy efforts, traveling across the region to garner further support for the reform bills.
