A coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) from Northern Nigeria has publicly endorsed President Bola Tinubu's ambitious Tax Reforms Bills.
This endorsement comes despite opposition from some Northern leaders and the Northern Governors Forum, who have expressed concerns that the reforms could exacerbate poverty in the region.
The tax reform package includes several key legislative proposals: the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill which aims to replace the Federal Inland Revenue Service with the new Nigeria Revenue Service and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.
These bills are designed to overhaul the national economy, address liquidity challenges, and foster a competitive business environment. Following a town hall meeting in Abuja, the CSOs, which include the Coalition of Northern Civil Society Groups and Concerned Northern Professionals, issued a communique co-signed by Dr. Fasasi A. Kazeem and Dr. Opialu Opialu Fabian.
The communique stated, "We believe that the Tax Reforms Bills are in the overall interest of all sections of Nigeria.
The bills have the potential to increase government revenue, reduce poverty, and promote economic growth and development."
The CSOs acknowledged the apprehensions voiced by some stakeholders but argued that the reforms are crafted to ensure fairness, equity, and justice in revenue distribution.
They emphasized the importance of engaging stakeholders and raising public awareness to facilitate the acceptance and effective implementation of the bills.
"We urge the National Assembly to continue with the consideration of the bills, while also engaging with stakeholders to address any concerns they may have," the communique added.
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