The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) opposes Nigeria's Tax Reform Bill, labeling it divisive and a threat to unity. Highlighting the exclusion of key stakeholders and potential regional marginalization, NEF urges Northern leaders to resist the legislation and advocates vigilance against manipulative policies that exacerbate socioeconomic challenges and undermine national cohesion.
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has voiced strong opposition to the proposed Tax Reform Bill, describing it as a divisive policy that threatens Nigeria’s unity and socioeconomic stability. Following its Board of Trustees bi-annual meeting in Abuja, the group accused the federal government of sidelining critical stakeholders during the bill's formulation.
NEF convener, Professor Ango Abdullahi, criticized the process, claiming the bill was "conceived in bad faith" and implemented without input from the National Economic Council. "The Tax Reform Bill, in its current form, is poorly structured and poses a palpable threat to our national cohesion," Abdullahi stated.
The forum commended the Northern States Governors’ Forum and the Northern Nigeria Council of Traditional Rulers for rejecting the bill, urging Northern politicians in the National Assembly to oppose the legislation more vocally. The group condemned what it described as a "conspiratorial silence" among lawmakers from the region, asserting that Northern interests must be defended against policies that could marginalize the region's resources.
Highlighting the broader implications of the bill, NEF warned of heightened economic hardship and regional dissatisfaction if the reforms proceed without addressing the concerns of stakeholders. The group urged Northerners to remain vigilant and hold their leaders accountable, particularly as the nation approaches another election cycle.
