Some Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from the north have accused politicians from the region of manipulating debates about the tax reform bills currently before the national assembly to pursue an agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections.
They advised Nigerians to disregard divisive rhetoric propagated by agents of discord seeking to exploit for issue for political gain.
The CSOs stated this in a communique they issued at the end of a one-day engagement with youth groups, students and community based organizations in Kaduna.
The communique was signed byNational Coordinator,
Nigeria First Project Initiative Comrade Hamza Umar Saulawa, National Secretary, Muryar Talaka Awareness Initiative Comrade Bishir Dauda Sabuwar Unguwa Katsina and Coordinator, Coalition of Northern Nigerian Students Forum Sadi Garba Sadiq.
They said, “Regrettably, the discourse on the tax reform bills has been heavily politicized, regionalized, and ethnically charged.
“Self-proclaimed regional and ethnic champions have infused toxic politics and sentiments into the debate, thereby overshadowing quality contributions that could benefit the people and improve the economy.
“Certain political actors are deliberately manipulating public sentiment, disguising personal interests under the guise of regional or national concern. This has shifted the debate from a focus on tax reforms to an agenda centered on the 2027 general elections.
“The tax reform bills are being misused as tools for blackmail, undermining the President, issuing subtle threats, and stirring ethnic and regional divisions—actions that neither reflect Northern values nor serve the region’s best interests.”
According to them, the tax reform bills, if implemented effectively, could significantly enhance the country’s revenue base, reduce over-dependence on oil revenue, and ensure a more equitable tax system.
They said, “The reforms aim to simplify Nigeria’s tax structure, broaden the tax net to include more sectors, and encourage compliance while supporting economic growth.
“These benefits are crucial for long-term fiscal stability and sustainable development in the country.”
The CSOs noted that the bills present an opportunity for Northern leaders to harness its potential for the development of the region.
They said, “Northern Nigeria is undeniably rich in natural resources, fertile soil, a favorable climate, a large population, and a vibrant cultural heritage. If fully harnessed, these resources could render the region economically self-sufficient, as was the case during the First Republic.
“The fundamental challenge facing Northern Nigeria lies in leadership failures at the sub-national level, which have hindered the effective utilization of the region’s abundant resources to uplift the majority.
“The tax reform bills present an opportunity for the North—a call to action for its leaders to explore innovative strategies for harnessing the region’s vast potential.”
They encouraged northerner to actively participate in the public hearings on the tax bills.
“Citizens should present their views constructively and engage lawmakers through established democratic channels, as advised by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” they said.