The growing resentment in Northern Nigeria regarding the proposed Tax Reform Bills currently under consideration at the National Assembly (NASS) has reached a boiling point, with northern youths launching a scathing attack on Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin. They accuse him of insensitivity to the needs of the region, labeling the bills as anti-North and detrimental to the region’s economic standing.
Representatives from 19 northern states expressed their discontent, asserting that Senator Jibrin, who represents Kano North Senatorial District, is fully aware that the proposed legislation does not align with the interests of Northern Nigeria. Concerns have been mounting since President Bola Tinubu submitted the bills to the National Assembly, with lawmakers from the North voicing their apprehensions about the potential negative impacts.
The executive branch has defended the bills, claiming they aim to standardize tax revenue administration across Nigeria, eliminate double taxation, promote private sector investment in critical industries, and enhance disposable incomes through targeted tax exemptions.
The four contentious bills include the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (SB.583), the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (SB.584), the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024 (SB.585), and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024 (SB.586). Despite significant objections from some lawmakers, the bills passed their Second Reading in the Senate last week.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele characterized the proposed fiscal reforms as a crucial step toward overhauling the nation’s tax system. However, the North remains united in its opposition, with its leadership viewing the bills as harmful to the region’s socio-economic development.
The Northern Youth Assembly recently intensified its critique of Senator Jibrin, particularly for presiding over the Senate session where the bills advanced. Tensions erupted during the plenary, leading to a heated exchange among lawmakers.
In an open letter signed by President Ali Mohammed Idris and Secretary Abdulhafiz Garba, the Northern Youth Assembly expressed their profound disappointment in Jibrin’s actions, stating, “Your support for the passage of the proposed tax reform bill is the highest order of insensitivity to the economic and commercial plight of your constituency, Kano State, and the entire Northern Nigeria.”
The letter further emphasized the belief that the proposed tax reform, in its current form, would disproportionately impact the economic livelihoods of Northern Nigerians, disregarding the current economic realities facing the country.
The assembly criticized Jibrin for imposing his views during the Senate plenary, stating, “It is obvious that the proposed tax reform is of so much interest to the people at the center, however, your unwavering enthusiasm to champion the bill, which is anti-North, exposes your misguided commitment to the course of protecting the interest of those you represent.”
The letter concluded with a stark warning to Jibrin, urging him to reconsider his stance before facing the collective ire of the Northern populace. The Northern Youth Assembly vowed to oppose the tax reform, asserting that the proposed legislation threatens to exacerbate the struggles of businesses and families already grappling with economic challenges.
As the debate over the tax reform continues, the North remains resolute in its opposition, calling for leaders who prioritize the interests of the region over political gain.
