The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), in collaboration with 134 civil society organisations (CSOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), has called for the immediate withdrawal of Tinubu’s proposed Tax Reform Bills, describing them as a threat to Nigeria’s socioeconomic stability, particularly in the North.

This stance was articulated in a communique issued after a town hall meeting themed “Tax Reform Bills: A Catalyst for Economic Growth or a Burden on the People?”

During town hall meeting which held in Gombe on Monday, participants warned that the proposed reforms could have devastating consequences on an already fragile regional economy.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Comrade Muhammed Sanusi Ali, who signed the communique, stressed that the reforms would exacerbate poverty, increase financial burdens on citizens and businesses, and further marginalise the North.

A key issue raised during the meeting was the proposed amendment to the Value Added Tax (VAT) distribution formula. Participants criticised this arrangement as unjust, arguing that it disproportionately favours certain regions while disadvantaging the North.

The proposed defunding of critical agencies, including the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), was another focal point of discussion. These institutions are considered vital for driving development in education, technology, and innovation in the North. Undermining them, the communique warned, would weaken the region’s economic prospects and its ability to compete on a national scale.

Additionally, participants expressed concern over the lack of clarity in the language of the proposed tax reforms. Terms such as “derivation,” “family wealth,” and “ecclesiastic” were flagged as ambiguous, raising fears of arbitrary interpretations that could complicate enforcement and undermine policy coherence.

The communique outlined several recommendations, with a unanimous demand for the immediate withdrawal of the bills. It also called for more inclusive consultations with stakeholders to develop tax reforms that reflect the realities of all Nigerians.

CNG and its allies urged Northern lawmakers to take a firm stand against the proposals, warning that failure to address these issues could further destabilise the region and deepen existing economic disparities.

The Federal Government is yet to respond to the demands and criticisms raised at the town hall meeting.

Northern groups, CSOs reject Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills