Northern groups, including the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) and the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), have opposed the proposed tax reform bills being considered by the National Assembly. They called for the withdrawal of the bills, urging broader consultations with stakeholders to ensure fairness.
During a town hall meeting in Gombe, stakeholders expressed concerns about the reforms’ potential to worsen regional inequalities. Mustapha Deba of the CNG argued that changes to the VAT revenue sharing formula could disadvantage Northern states and exacerbate social and economic disparities. Prof. Sadiq Abubakar highlighted that the reforms might clash with cultural and economic realities in the region, necessitating a more inclusive approach.
The NEF also criticized the lack of engagement with experts and stakeholders, stating that successful reforms require transparency and widespread consultations. The group emphasized that taxation policies should promote national unity and address regional challenges without deepening existing divides.