By Francesca Hangeior.

A coalition of northern youth groups, students, and community-based organisations have cautioned against the politicisation of the tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly.

The group, which comprised representatives from across the seven states of North-West Nigeria, made the call at a one-day engagement held at Arewa House, Kaduna, on Thursday.

The group also threw its weight on the tax reform bills, while cautioning that it must not be politicised.

Recall that the Nigeria Governors’ Forum has endorsed the tax reform bills submitted by President Bola Tinubu to the National Assembly.

A communique read at the end of the symposium by National Coordinator, Nigeria First Project Initiative, Hamza Saulawa, flanked by National Secretary, Bishir Dauda and the
Awareness Initiative, Coordinator, Coalition of Northern Nigerian Students Forum, Sadi Garba, said the symposium was organised in response to the ongoing debates surrounding the tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly.

According to the National Coordinator of the Nigeria First Project Initiative, “The tax reform bills have the potential to enhance the country’s revenue base, reduce dependence on oil revenue, and ensure a more equitable tax system. However, we are concerned that the discourse has been heavily politicised, regionalised, and ethnically charged.”

The group noted that the politicisation of the tax reform bills is a deliberate attempt to distract Nigerians from the real issues.

“We urge caution and restraint in the debate, advising the public to disregard divisive rhetoric propagated by agents of discord seeking to exploit this issue for political gain,” it said.

The group noted that certain political actors are deliberately manipulating public sentiment, disguising personal interests under the guise of regional or national concern. This has shifted the debate from a focus on tax reforms to an agenda centered on the 2027 general elections.

The group also encouraged Northerners to participate in the upcoming public hearings on the tax bills and to present their views constructively.

“We must ensure that our voices are heard and that our concerns are addressed.”

The participants also called on Northern states to diversify their revenue sources, prioritize agricultural development, and capitalize on federal government policies on solid minerals and livestock development.

According to them, “Northern states have the potential to be economically self-sufficient, but this requires visionary leadership and a commitment to transparency and accountability.”

The group commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s initiatives, such as the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development and the creation of the Northwest Development Commission.

“We appreciate the President’s efforts to address the economic and social challenges facing Northern Nigeria,” said Saulawa. However, we must ensure that these initiatives are implemented effectively and that the benefits are felt by the people.”

The communiqué emphasised the importance of accountability, transparency, and visionary leadership in addressing the economic and social challenges facing Northern Nigeria.

“We must work together to build a better future for ourselves and for generations to come. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and our communities to demand more from our leaders and to hold them accountable for their actions,” said the Communique.

The engagement was attended by representatives from various youth groups, students, and community-based organizations from across Northwest Nigeria.