The Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) has once again voiced their concerns regarding the Federal Government’s Tax Reform Bills, urging an immediate halt to the implementation and advocating for thorough discussions with all stakeholders. The forum, led by Chairman of the Management Board, Al-Amin Daggash, criticized the government for neglecting to involve key stakeholders and experts in the formulation of these reforms, potentially leading to detrimental effects on Northern Nigeria and the country as a whole.
NEF’s Standpoint
In a statement released on Saturday, Daggash emphasized the importance of engaging with experts and critical stakeholders before implementing any reforms. He highlighted the essential components of successful reforms, including early engagement with experts, a clear communication strategy to inform the public about the reforms, and a transparent and inclusive implementation process. NEF asserted that the Tax Reform Bills proposed by the Federal Government did not adhere to these crucial characteristics, contrary to global best practices in public policy-making.
Call for Dialogue
NEF called for an immediate suspension of the Tax Reform Bills and urged the government to engage in extensive dialogue with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the reforms align with the society’s needs and expectations. The forum stressed the importance of incorporating feedback from experts and the public to design effective and beneficial reforms that would benefit all Nigerians, particularly those in Northern Nigeria.
Reaffirming Support for Meaningful Reforms
While NEF acknowledged the importance of introducing meaningful reforms at all levels of government, they emphasized the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach that prioritizes the input of experts and critical stakeholders. The forum reaffirmed their commitment to supporting reforms that align with global best practices and serve the best interests of the Nigerian population.
As we navigate the complexities of tax reform and policy-making, it is essential to consider the diverse perspectives and expertise of various stakeholders to ensure that reforms are effective and beneficial for all. By prioritizing dialogue and collaboration, we can work towards implementing reforms that address the needs and concerns of all Nigerians, fostering a more inclusive and transparent decision-making process for the betterment of our society.
