A coalition of Northern civil society organizations (CSOs) has endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills, despite opposition from Northern leaders and the Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF).
The reforms include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, aimed at overhauling the nation’s tax system by replacing the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) with the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS).
Following a town hall meeting in Abuja, the Coalition of Northern Civil Society Groups and Concerned Northern Professionals issued a communique supporting the bills. Co-signed by Dr. Fasasi A. Kazeem and Dr. Opialu Fabian, the document emphasized the reforms’ potential to:
- Boost government revenue.
- Promote economic growth and development.
- Address liquidity crises and create a competitive business environment.
The communique stated, “The Tax Reform Bills represent a commendable effort to revolutionize Nigeria’s economy and ensure equitable revenue distribution.”
While addressing opposition from the NGF and other stakeholders, the CSOs called for robust stakeholder engagement to address concerns about revenue-sharing fairness. They urged the National Assembly to proceed with the bills while fostering dialogue and public awareness to ensure effective implementation.
Expert Endorsements
Experts at the town hall meeting also supported the reforms, dismissing claims that the bills are anti-North. They argued that the reforms would aid the region’s development and strengthen the national economy.
