By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Northern Star Youth Empowerment Initiative, a prominent northern advocacy group, has rejected the Federal Government’s Tax Reform Bill currently under consideration by the National Assembly.
The group, a non-political, non-tribal, and non-religious youth movement, is committed to uniting and protecting northern interests. Its mission is to promote good governance, unity, progress, and development in northern Nigeria.
In a statement released today in Kaduna, the Group’s Director-General, Dr. Abdullahi Idris, PhD, criticized the bill, stating that while certain aspects could be beneficial, provisions related to the distribution of Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue are unfair and would adversely affect the North’s economy.
“After thoroughly analyzing the bill, we have concluded that its current form would create economic challenges for the North. We urge the Federal Government to withdraw it immediately,” Dr. Idris stated.
He also questioned the lack of adequate consultations before the bill’s presentation to the National Assembly and called on northern lawmakers to reject it to avoid backlash from their constituents.
Dr. Idris reminded the public that the bill was introduced despite opposition from notable Nigerians, including members of the National Economic Council, due to its potential to disproportionately benefit some regions at the expense of others.
“We call on the Federal Government to reconsider this bill and subject it to more rigorous scrutiny and broader consultations before reintroducing it for legislative approval,” Dr. Idris concluded.
