•••Criticizes Federal Government for Lack of Stakeholder Engagement in Proposed Reforms
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has firmly reiterated its stance against the Federal Government’s proposed Tax Reform Bills, calling for their immediate suspension and urging a comprehensive dialogue with relevant stakeholders. In a press statement released on Saturday, the forum expressed concerns over the government’s failure to engage critical stakeholders and experts prior to drafting the reforms.
Signed by Management Board Chairman Al-Amin Daggash, the statement highlighted the potential negative impacts of the proposed reforms on Northern Nigeria and the nation as a whole. Daggash emphasized, “It is necessary to emphasise that Nigerians in general, and Northerners in particular, are not opposed to good and meaningful reforms initiated by authorities at the federal, state, or local government levels.”
He went on to outline essential principles of public policy-making that should guide successful reforms, which include:
• Extensive Pre-Reform Engagements: Involving experts and stakeholders to secure their support and insights.
• Well-Defined Communication Strategy: Ensuring public awareness and understanding of the reforms on a nationwide scale.
• Transparent Implementation Mechanism: Designing processes that are inclusive and accountable.
• Well-Sequence Process: Proactively implementing reforms to achieve the desired outcomes for society.Daggash asserted that the proposed Tax Reform Bills violate these key principles, which are recognized as best practices globally. The NEF’s call for dialogue underscores the necessity of collaboration and consensus-building in the reform process, emphasizing that meaningful change cannot occur without the involvement of those it will impact the most.
