Coalition of Northern Groups Opposes Controversial Tax Reforms Bill
Posted by Abdulaziz Ibrahim Hassan | 4 weeks ago | 102 times
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has expressed its disapproval of the controversial tax reforms bill presented to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking at a stakeholders' town hall meeting held at Gombe State University, the National Coordinator of the CNG, Comrade Jamilu Charanchi, highlighted several contentious provisions within the bill.
According to him, these provisions require thorough review before they can be considered for passage into law.
Comrade Charanchi also challenged the Federal Government to provide Nigerians with a comprehensive report on the gains realized since the removal of the fuel subsidy, as well as an account of how the funds have been utilized.
Delivering a keynote address at the event, Professor Abubakar Sadiq of the Federal University of Kashere expressed his dissatisfaction with the Federal Government’s insistence on passing the bill into law despite widespread opposition from Nigerians.
Professor Abubakar Sadiq criticized the government's claim that the proposed tax reforms would not impact low-income earners, labeling it misleading.
He warned that industries and businesses would likely transfer the tax burden to consumers through increased prices of essential goods, worsening the already dire economic conditions for Nigerians.
He further emphasized that before introducing new taxes, the government must demonstrate effective use of existing tax revenues to improve citizens' lives and alleviate the high cost of living.
Also speaking at the event, Professor Umar Adamu from Gombe State University, urged citizens, particularly those in Northern Nigeria, to rise and actively participate in the electoral process, stressing the need to elect visionary leaders who are committed to the nation's progress and the welfare of their people.
The town hall meeting, themed " Tax reform: A Catalyst for Economic Growth or a Burden on Nigerians," was attended by representatives of various civil society organizations, groups, and associations from within and outside Gombe State with a striking 99% of participants voiced their opposition to the proposed bill.
