Governors of the 19 northern states convened in Kaduna yesterday with prominent traditional rulers from the region to discuss various issues and challenges impacting the North. Among their resolutions was the decision to reject the Nigeria Tax Reform Bill recently submitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Northern States Governors’ Forum held a meeting in Kaduna on Monday as part of its initiative to engage key stakeholders on urgent regional issues, including insecurity, poverty, education challenges, and other socio-economic concerns impacting the North.
Present at the meeting were governors such as Uba Sani of Kaduna, Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, Dauda Lawal Dare of Zamfara, Abdullahi A. Sule of Nasarawa, Babagana Zulum of Borno, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, and Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa. Deputy governors from other northern states also attended, as well as notable traditional leaders, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.
‘Tax Reform Not Beneficial to the North’
In a communiqué released after the meeting, the Forum voiced concerns about the recent Tax Reform Bill sent to the National Assembly, stating that it could negatively impact the North and other regions, particularly regarding the proposed amendment to distribute Value Added Tax (VAT) based on a Derivation Model.
President Bola Tinubu had recently submitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly. The bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill. Tinubu stated that these bills aim to align with his administration’s goals, enhance fiscal transparency, and encourage economic growth.
Explaining their stance, Northern Governors’ Forum Chairman, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, argued that the current VAT structure favors companies with headquarters outside the North, disadvantaging the region. The Forum thus urged the National Assembly to reject the proposed tax amendments, stressing that while they support policies for national growth, they seek fairness in policy implementation to avoid marginalizing any region.
Addressing Socio-Economic Disparities
The Forum’s chairman also highlighted the economic challenges disproportionately impacting the North compared to the South, noting a severe disparity in economic inequality. He appealed for calm among citizens, stating that both state and federal governments are working to address the hardships.
The Forum emphasized the importance of investing in youth education, skills development, and job creation to mitigate issues of youth restiveness, which stem from poverty and limited economic opportunities. They urged leaders to focus on creating productive opportunities for young people and recognized the ongoing protests as a wake-up call for the region’s leadership.
Infrastructure and Energy Challenges
The Forum raised concerns about the persistent power outages in the North due to vandalism on critical infrastructure like the Shiroro-Kaduna transmission line, affecting the region’s energy resilience. The governors called for increased investment in transmission lines and energy diversification to enhance regional connectivity.
They also underscored the potential of northern agriculture to boost economic growth, advocating for support to farmers, including access to financing, improved farming techniques, and essential infrastructure. They discussed re-industrializing the North, especially reviving the textile sector and agro-allied industries.
Security and Role of Traditional Rulers
The Forum praised the Chief of Defence Staff, General C. G. Musa, for his commitment to improving national security and called for traditional leaders to play an expanded role in supporting security agencies against kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, and communal conflicts. They recognized recent security gains, especially in curtailing the activities of bandits and terrorists.
Commitment to Regional Development
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna reiterated the Northern Governors Forum’s commitment to addressing regional security and developmental challenges. He commended President Tinubu for recent security efforts, such as establishing a joint military command and launching Operation Fansan Yamma to combat insecurity.
Addressing Almajiri and Out-of-School Children
The Sultan of Sokoto, at the event, urged the governors to prioritize addressing the issues of Almajiri and out-of-school children, describing these as critical challenges. He pledged the support of traditional leaders for the Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Commission, stressing that educating the youth is crucial for personal and regional development.
Support from the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF)
Reacting to the governors’ position, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) commended the Forum for addressing grassroots socio-economic conditions and encouraged deeper involvement of elected officials in solving the North’s issues.
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