The Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) has expressed strong opposition to Nigeria's Tax Reform Bill, describing it as a policy "conceived in bad faith" that poses a threat to national unity. This sentiment was articulated following the NEF's Board of Trustees' second bi-annual meeting in Abuja on November 23, 2024.
The NEF criticized the bill for its exclusionary approach, particularly the sidelining of critical stakeholders such as the National Economic Council. Professor Ango Abdullahi, the convener of NEF, emphasized the potential marginalization of the North’s resource potential, which he argued is vital for maintaining national stability.
The forum's communiqué stated, “The meeting seriously maintained that, in its present form, the Tax Reform Bill is conceived in bad faith, poorly packaged and it is a palpable threat to our unity and national cohesion.”
The NEF highlighted concerns about the manner in which the bill was introduced, suggesting that there were ulterior motives behind its promotion. They noted the "brazen cavalier way and suspicious manner" of its imposition, which excluded input from essential stakeholders, thereby confirming what they described as "sinister intentions."
In response to these concerns, the NEF commended the Northern States Governors’ Forum and the Northern Nigeria Council of Traditional Rulers for their opposition to the bill, labeling their stance as “patriotic.”
The forum also urged Northern politicians in the National Assembly to break their silence and protect the region’s interests, warning against any conspiratorial connivance that could harm the North's strategic interests.
The NEF called on Northerners to remain vigilant in safeguarding their rights, especially during elections, and to resist manipulation by unscrupulous leaders. They concluded with a warning against adopting policies that could deepen existing divides, urging all stakeholders to prioritize fairness and inclusivity in national policymaking.
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