The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has called for the immediate suspension of President Bola Tinubu’s proposed Tax Reform Bill, citing concerns over its potential impact on the nation’s economy and the lack of expert input during its drafting.
In a heartfelt statement released on Saturday, the Chairman of the Forum’s Management Board, Al-Amin Daggash, expressed disappointment with the federal government for not consulting experts and critical stakeholders before drafting the controversial bill.
“This bill, as it stands, appears strategically designed to cripple the country’s economy. It is concerning that such a critical reform has not undergone the due diligence it requires,” Daggash said.
While affirming their openness to meaningful reforms, the Forum stressed the importance of following global best practices in public policy-making. Daggash noted that successful reforms are built on a foundation of extensive consultation and engagement with experts and stakeholders to ensure widespread acceptance and understanding.
“It is important to clarify that Nigerians, especially those from the North, are not opposed to meaningful reforms at any level of government. However, reforms must follow key principles, such as securing buy-in through pre-reform consultations and engagements,” he explained.
The NEF also called on President Tinubu to adopt a more transparent approach by developing a robust media and communication strategy. They emphasized that the government must articulate the full scope of the reforms clearly and ensure public enlightenment across the nation to avoid misunderstandings.
“The government must prioritize public awareness and nationwide enlightenment to bridge the gap between policy intentions and public understanding,” Daggash added.
The Forum highlighted that the current Tax Reform Bill fails to meet these global standards, which compromises its potential to succeed and foster trust among Nigerians.
In a bid to find common ground, the Northern Elders expressed their readiness to engage in dialogue with President Tinubu to propose a more inclusive and sustainable path forward.
“We are prepared to sit with the President to chart a better course for reforms that work for all Nigerians,” Daggash concluded.
The Forum’s stance reflects growing public concern about the proposed reforms and signals the need for the government to approach economic policies with inclusivity and transparency.
