Dons Eze
NORTHERN GOVERNORS MEET IN KADUNA, REJECT TINUBU”S TAX REFORM BILL
The Northern States Governors’ Forum, led by its Chairman, Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, and hosted by Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna, organized a strategic meeting to address the critical challenges of insecurity, poverty, and the high number of out-of-school children among other socio-economic concerns.
Ten Key Resolutions and Key Areas of Concern Raised At The Meeting were;
1 – Tax Reform Bill Rejection:
During the meeting, the northern state leaders and respected traditional heads expressed significant opposition to the recently proposed Tax Reform Bill presented to the National Assembly, explicitly denouncing the suggested transition to a Derivation-based Model for the distribution of Value Added Tax (VAT).
The governors contended that this model would place northern states and other regions at a disadvantage, as the current VAT distribution is based on the location of company headquarters rather than the actual consumption of goods and services.
This position was articulated in a communiqué delivered by Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, who serves as the Chairman of the NSGF, after a strategic meeting held in Kaduna.
Northern traditional leaders, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Gwabin Musa, and various other prominent stakeholders attended the meeting.
Governor Yahaya stated, “In view of the implications, the Forum unanimously rejects the proposed Tax Amendments and calls on members of the National Assembly to oppose any bill that may jeopardize the well-being of our people.”
2 – Sympathies and Solidarity:
The NSGF extended its sympathies to those impacted by the recent floods in Maiduguri and other northern areas while also offering assistance to families suffering from the effects of terrorism, banditry, and various other criminal activities.
The governors committed to ongoing cooperation with the federal government to deliver relief and facilitate the reconstruction of the affected communities.
3 – Enhanced Role for Traditional Institutions:
Recognizing the influence of traditional rulers, the Forum called for expanded roles for these institutions to strengthen cooperation with security agencies in tackling issues such as kidnapping, banditry, and communal clashes.
4 – Commitment to Security:
The Forum expressed appreciation to the federal government and security agencies for their recent achievements in combating criminal activities in the region, and acknowledged the commendable leadership of Chief of Defence Staff, General C.J. Musa. The governors emphasized the importance of maintaining and building upon these security advancements.
5 – Youth Empowerment:
In light of the recent youth-driven “End Bad Governance” protests, the Forum decided to enhance investments in education, skills training, and job opportunities, aiming to steer young Nigerians away from criminal behavior and social issues.
6 – Electricity Infrastructure and Energy Resilience:
Addressing the power blackout caused by vandalized transmission infrastructure, the NSGF urged federal intervention to restore electricity and build additional transmission lines to improve regional energy security.
7 – Agricultural Development and Industrialization:
With vast agricultural potential in the north, the governors pledged to support farmers with better financing, infrastructure, and modern techniques. They advocated re-industrializing the region by reviving the textile industry and other agro-allied sectors.
8 – Livestock Development:
The Forum expressed commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s livestock reform initiatives, pledging collaboration with the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee.
9 – Climate Change and Flood Mitigation: In response to recent flooding, the Forum emphasized the need to invest in irrigation infrastructure to manage excess water, protect rural livelihoods, and strengthen food security.
10 – Education Initiatives:
The NSGF affirmed its commitment to reducing the number of out-of-school children and improving education outcomes throughout northern Nigeria.
The NSGF reiterated its dedication to fostering national unity and development. In response, the governors emphasized the importance of equitable policy implementation across all regions to ensure that no geopolitical zone feels excluded.
In light of the economic difficulties confronting the nation, the Forum urged citizens to exercise patience as both state and federal initiatives aimed at alleviating economic struggles are put into action.
