Northern Youth Assembly Urges Northern Lawmakers to Reject Tinubu’s Proposed Tax Reforms
By Faisal A. Harande
Assembly Warns Against Economic Burden, Calls for Youth-Inclusive Policies
The Northern Youth Assembly (Majalisar Matasan Arewa), representing youth across the 19 Northern states, has issued a strong appeal to Northern lawmakers in the National Assembly to reject the proposed tax reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In an open letter, the Assembly voiced its concerns, asserting that the reforms threaten to deepen economic hardship and disproportionately impact Northern citizens without addressing key issues such as youth unemployment, SME support, and economic inclusion.
✓Key Reasons for Rejection of the Tax Reform Bill
1. Economic Burden on Low- and Middle-Income Citizens :The Assembly warns that the proposed tax reforms could impose further financial strain on low- and middle-income Nigerians, particularly in the North, where poverty rates are high and development remains slow. Rather than stimulating growth, the reforms risk worsening economic challenges, further marginalizing Northern citizens.
2. Youth Unemployment and Economic Exclusion : With youth unemployment at a critical level, especially in the North, the Assembly contends that the reforms neglect the urgent need for job creation and economic opportunities. The bill’s emphasis on tax increases, they argue, fails to address the critical need for youth empowerment, instead adding barriers to economic participation.
3. Negative Impact on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): SMEs serve as a vital source of livelihood for millions, yet the Assembly highlights that the tax burdens proposed could hinder the growth of these businesses. Youth entrepreneurs, in particular, could find it challenging to sustain their ventures, which are already struggling to survive in a difficult economic climate.
4. Inadequate Stakeholder Engagement : The Assembly expressed concern about the lack of consultation with key stakeholders, including youth representatives, community leaders, and business owners. Given the bill’s significant potential impact, the Assembly asserts that more inclusive dialogue is essential.
5. Transparency and Accountability Issues: The letter calls for greater transparency and accountability in government revenue and expenditure before additional taxes are imposed. Northern youth argue that Nigerians deserve to understand how their taxes are used, with the government ensuring prudent and accountable spending.
✓Assembly’s Urgent Demands
The Assembly calls on Northern lawmakers to act swiftly, emphasizing the potential consequences of approving the reforms:
1. Immediate Rejection of the Bill: The Assembly urges Northern lawmakers to reject the tax reform bill as soon as it is presented, warning that supporting the reforms could lead to unrest among already struggling citizens.
2. Promotion of Youth-Friendly Legislation: As the nation’s largest demographic, the Assembly calls for youth-friendly policies that promote sustainable development, economic inclusion, and job creation. The youth should have a central role in policies that impact the nation’s future.
3. Focus on Investment, Job Creation, and Education: The Assembly encourages lawmakers to prioritize laws that promote foreign investment, skills development, and job creation, especially for the youth, to ensure a stable economic future.
4. Rejection of IMF and World Bank Directives: The Northern Youth Assembly strongly warns against following recommendations from international financial institutions such as the IMF and World Bank, arguing these policies serve foreign interests rather than Nigeria’s.
✓Warning of Potential Consequences
The Assembly warns that Nigerians are reaching a breaking point with rising poverty, frustration, and economic hardship. They caution Northern lawmakers that supporting this bill could lead to serious discontent and unrest among the people. The Northern Youth Assembly asserts that it is ready to mobilize against any lawmaker who supports the proposed reforms, tagging them as “anti-Nigerian” and “agents of destruction.
Signed,
Dr. Ali Idris Mohammed, President
Dr. Garba Abdulhafiz, Secretary General
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