The Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) has once again voiced its strong opposition to the controversial Tax Reform Bill, describing it as a policy “conceived in bad faith” and warning of its potential to cause a socio-economic crisis in Nigeria.
The group’s harsh criticism of the bill was made public on Saturday, November 23, 2024, following the Forum’s second bi-annual meeting in Abuja. In a statement signed by the Convener of NEF, Professor Ango Abdullahi, the Forum emphasized its belief that the bill poses a significant threat to the country’s unity and national cohesion.
“The Tax Reform Bill, in its present form, is conceived in bad faith, poorly packaged, and is a palpable threat to our unity,” Professor Abdullahi declared. He went on to accuse those behind the bill of intentionally sidelining key stakeholders, including members of the National Economic Council, during the bill’s formulation. The exclusion of such important voices raised suspicions about the bill’s true intentions.
The NEF is particularly concerned about the impact of the bill on the Northern region, warning that it could further marginalize the North’s already limited resource potential. In their communiqué, the Forum accused the bill’s promoters of pushing forward a policy that disregarded the interests of the Northern states.
“The bill was imposed on the nation in a brazen and cavalier manner,” Abdullahi stated, adding that the exclusion of critical stakeholders only confirmed the “sinister intentions” behind the bill. The NEF also condemned the lack of action from Northern politicians in the National Assembly, expressing anger at the region’s elected officials for not speaking out against what they described as a “conspiratorial connivance” against the North’s interests.
In response, the NEF applauded the stance of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and the Northern Nigeria Council of Traditional Rulers, who have also rejected the bill. The Forum described their opposition as “patriotic” and urged Northern lawmakers in the National Assembly to take a stand against the proposal.
The NEF’s rejection of the Tax Reform Bill comes against the backdrop of worsening socio-economic conditions in Northern Nigeria. The region has long struggled with poverty, low education standards, and poor infrastructure, issues which the Forum believes will be exacerbated by the proposed tax measures.
The NEF also highlighted the worsening situation in Northern Nigeria’s education sector, where approximately 60% of students are unable to return to their higher institutions due to high tuition fees and unaffordable transportation costs. Professor Abdullahi pointed out that these challenges were preventing many young people from accessing quality education, which he described as “the most significant tool for social and economic empowerment.”
“It is alarming that so many students, especially from the North, cannot continue their education,” Abdullahi said. “This crisis is made worse by the rising costs of tuition and transportation.”
The group also expressed deep concern over the country’s alarming number of out-of-school children, now estimated at 20 million, with over 80% of them from the Northern region. The NEF questioned the effectiveness of the government’s Federal Students Loan Scheme, expressing doubt that it would adequately address the problem.
“The Federal Students Loan Scheme is a much-touted solution, but we have serious doubts about its ability to solve this crisis,” Abdullahi noted. “Without serious reform and investment in education, the future of millions of children in the North looks bleak.”
In addition to the educational crisis, the Forum raised concerns about the Ministry of Mines and Solid Minerals, accusing it of collaborating with political actors to promote dubious mining policies aimed at stifling investment in the North’s vast mineral resources. The NEF warned that such policies could deprive the region of much-needed economic opportunities.
“The Ministry of Mines and Solid Minerals is playing a dangerous game, working with certain political actors to block the North’s mineral resource potential,” Abdullahi warned. “This must not be allowed to continue.”
The NEF’s statement also took aim at some powerful political figures in the North, accusing them of exhibiting an arrogant attitude and failing to represent the true interests of the people. The Forum condemned these leaders for behaving like “rulers” rather than servants of the people.
“Some of our political leaders in the region have become distant from the reality facing the people. They must be reminded that they are leaders, not rulers,” Abdullahi stated.
The Forum’s communiqué urged the people of the North to remain vigilant in defending their rights, particularly their voting rights, and warned against being manipulated by unscrupulous politicians using ill-gotten wealth or religious manipulation to sway elections. The NEF called for unity and resolve in the face of these challenges, stressing that the people of the North must not allow themselves to be deceived by individuals with questionable records.