The League of Northern Democrats (LND), led by former Kano State Governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, has taken a significant step in the ongoing debate over the controversial tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly.
The LND’s decision to set up a dedicated committee to review the four tax reform bills presented by President Bola Tinubu comes amid growing discontent from northern leaders.
These bills, designed to overhaul Nigeria’s tax system, have sparked heated debate, with many prominent leaders from the northern region arguing that they would disproportionately harm their people.
In response to the criticism, the LND has decided to take matters into their own hands. The newly established committee will conduct a detailed, clause-by-clause review of the bills, aiming to ensure that the proposed tax laws do not unfairly disadvantage the northern region.
Dr. Ladan Salihu, the spokesman for the League, made this announcement on Friday in a statement that emphasized the importance of fairness and justice in the nation’s legislative process.
“We are deeply committed to ensuring that the laws of this country reflect the principles of justice, equity, and prosperity for all Nigerians,” Dr. Salihu said.
He added that the goal of the committee is to safeguard the developmental interests of the northern region, ensuring that the tax reforms benefit everyone, not just certain sections of the country.
The committee will consist of experts in law, public accounting, legislation, and academia from the northern part of Nigeria. These professionals are tasked with examining the tax bills comprehensively, considering both their positive and negative implications.
“They will spend one week reviewing the proposed bills, analyzing each clause in detail to identify provisions that may be harmful or unjust,” Salihu explained.
Their work will also include proposing necessary amendments and ensuring that the reforms align with the constitutional, religious, and cultural values of the northern people. The committee will aim to preserve national unity while ensuring fairness and equity.
One of the key concerns for northern leaders is the perceived negative impact the tax reforms could have on the region’s economy. Many northern states, which are more agrarian and have a lower industrial base compared to the southern regions, fear that these new tax laws could place an unbearable financial burden on them.
The northern group has repeatedly voiced concerns that the reforms might impoverish their region, especially considering that many northern states are still grappling with poverty and underdevelopment.
“We understand the concerns of our people,” Dr. Salihu said. “The LND believes that the tax reforms should not be a tool for further economic disparity. Instead, they should be designed to bring about a balanced and equitable growth for all Nigerians, regardless of their region.”
The League has assured Nigerians that the committee’s findings will be based on thorough research and sound legal principles, ensuring that every recommendation is well-founded.
At the end of their review, the committee will publicly present its findings in both electronic and tabular formats. This will make it easier for the Nigerian public, legislators, and policymakers to understand the proposed amendments and the reasoning behind them.
“We are confident that the committee will produce a thorough and well-reasoned set of recommendations,” Salihu said. “These recommendations will serve as a guide for policymakers, helping them craft tax laws that are fair and beneficial to all Nigerians.”
