A coalition of northern groups under the Forum for Growth and Development of Arewa (FGDA) has announced plans to stage a protest on Wednesday against the newly proposed tax reform bills.
The group described these bills as “anti-North,” expressing their dissatisfaction over recent endorsements from some northern representatives who support the initiative.
The coalition stated that the protest aims to convey strong opposition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Senate, and the House of Representatives that the tax reform legislation is unwelcome.
The fiscal policy and tax reform bill recently transmitted by President Tinubu to the Senate, is designed to streamline tax collection, enhance compliance, and boost revenue.
In a statement released by the FGDA convener, Malam Jibrin Mohammed in Kaduna, Sunday, the group reported that their investigation into the proposed legislation revealed its potential to disproportionately impact the northern region, economically marginalising its residents.
The coalition condemned the support of Abdulmumin Jibrin of Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency, stating that his endorsement failed to consider the existing development disparities between the North and the South.
The FGDA asserted, “The proposed tax reform will significantly affect the economic stability and future of our people, particularly at a time when many are already struggling under harsh economic conditions.”
They added that northern Nigeria is grappling with severe challenges, including poverty, insecurity, unemployment, and inadequate infrastructure, and warned that any policy exacerbating these conditions would be resisted.