Northern youths have voiced strong opposition to the proposed Tax Reform Bills currently under consideration at the National Assembly, accusing Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin of neglecting the region’s interests.
The youths, representing the 19 northern states, described the bills as detrimental to the North, warning that their implementation could further weaken the region’s economic prospects. They criticized Senator Jibrin, who represents Kano North Senatorial District, for supporting the proposed legislation despite its perceived negative implications.
The proposed reforms, submitted by President Bola Tinubu, aim to streamline tax administration nationwide, eliminate double taxation, incentivize private sector investment in critical industries, and provide targeted tax exemptions to boost disposable incomes. The four bills include the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill 2024, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill 2024, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill 2024, and the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024.
Despite these objectives, the bills have faced significant backlash from northern lawmakers and stakeholders. Last week, the Senate passed the bills’ second reading, sparking heated debates and vocal opposition from legislators concerned about their impact on the North.
Youth Assembly’s Open Letter
In an open letter signed by its President, Ali Mohammed Idris, and Secretary, Abdulhafiz Garba, the Northern Youth Assembly condemned Senator Jibrin’s role in advancing the bills. They accused him of prioritizing personal and political interests over the well-being of his constituents and the broader northern region.
“The Northern Youth Assembly, on behalf of the 19 northern states, expresses its disappointment in your role during the passage of the tax reform bills,” the letter stated. “These reforms, in their current form, threaten to undermine the North economically, further impoverishing our people and crippling the region’s commercial activities.”
The group criticized Jibrin’s perceived insensitivity to the economic struggles of Northern Nigeria, including inadequate infrastructure, insecurity, poverty, and unemployment. They argued that the tax reform proposals fail to account for the region’s unique challenges, such as unreliable electricity supply and restrictive government policies.
Calls for Accountability
The youth organization accused Senator Jibrin of failing to fulfill his mandate to address the North’s pressing socio-economic challenges through effective legislative engagement. They called on him to reconsider his position and align his efforts with the region’s interests.
“Northern Nigeria requires leaders who advocate for the region’s welfare, not individuals who serve as agents of destruction for political gain,” the letter declared. The group warned of potential mobilization against Jibrin and other leaders they perceive as betraying the North’s interests.
The letter also highlighted that the National Economic Advisory Council and Northern governors had previously rejected the tax reform bills, urging lawmakers to heed these concerns.
“We advise you to change your course of action and prioritize the needs of the North, or risk further alienation from the people you were elected to serve,” the letter concluded.
The controversy underscores deep regional divides over the proposed tax reforms, with northern stakeholders calling for amendments to protect the region’s economic future.
