The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has once again called on the Federal Government to suspend the proposed Tax Reform Bills, citing a lack of engagement with key stakeholders and experts before drafting the reforms. In a statement released on Saturday, the forum’s Chairman of the Management Board, Al-Amin Daggash, expressed concerns over the potential negative impacts of the reforms on Northern Nigeria and the country at large.
Daggash clarified that Northerners and Nigerians, in general, are not opposed to meaningful reforms but emphasized the importance of following established principles of public policy-making. He stated, “Indeed, Nigerians in general and Northerners in particular, are not against the introduction of good and meaningful reforms at the federal, state, or local government levels. However, practical experiences teach us that successful reforms are underpinned by adherence to key public policy-making processes.”
The forum highlighted several critical components necessary for effective reforms. These include early engagement with experts and stakeholders to secure their support, a clear communication strategy to educate the public on the reforms’ implications, and a transparent and inclusive implementation framework. Daggash stressed the need for a well-sequenced process to ensure that reforms achieve their intended outcomes.
He further stated, “The proposed Tax Reform Bills clearly fail to adhere to these principles, which are fundamental to public policy-making worldwide and align with global best practices. Without these essential steps, the reforms risk falling short of societal expectations and may exacerbate existing challenges.”
The Northern Elders Forum reiterated its commitment to supporting reforms that are well-conceived, inclusive, and beneficial to the nation. However, it called on the government to revisit the proposed tax reforms, engage stakeholders comprehensively, and design a framework that reflects the aspirations of all Nigerians.
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