The Northern Youth Meeting (Majalisar Matasan Arewa), representing youth from the 19 Northern states, has issued an open letter urging Nationwide Meeting members from Northern Nigeria to reject President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposed tax reform invoice.
The group argues that the reform would exacerbate financial hardship, particularly in Northern areas, disproportionately burden low- and middle-income Nigerians, and neglect important points equivalent to youth unemployment and small enterprise development. They warn that the invoice, pushed by IMF and World Financial institution affect, lacks transparency and would additional impoverish residents.
Learn the letter under
An Open Letter by the Northern Youth Meeting (Majalisar Matasan Arewa) To All Members of the Nationwide Meeting from Northern Nigeria
DEMAND TO REJECT THE PROPOSED TINUBU TAX REFORM BILL TO PROTECT NIGERIANS FROM UNNECESSARY ECONOMIC HARDSHIP DRIVEN BY IMF AND WORLD BANK INFLUENCE
The Northern Youth Meeting (Majalisar Matasan Arewa), representing the management of the 19 Northern States, expresses our united and agency rejection of the proposed tax reform invoice launched by the Tinubu administration. As representatives of Northern youth, we imagine this proposal, in its present kind, will disproportionately have an effect on the financial livelihoods of our individuals with out adequate consideration for the nation’s present financial realities. The invoice lacks clear, potential advantages that justify its detrimental impacts on the lives of Nigerian residents.
Our Foundation for Rejecting the Proposed Invoice
1. Elevated Financial Burden
The proposed tax reforms threaten to put an excellent higher monetary pressure on low- and middle-income residents who’re already battling financial hardships. As a substitute of selling development and alternative, the reforms danger rising hardship for many Nigerians, particularly within the North, the place poverty charges stay excessive and financial improvement lags behind different areas.
2. Youth Unemployment and Financial Exclusion
This invoice fails to deal with considered one of Nigeria’s most urgent points: youth unemployment. The Northern area experiences significantly excessive charges of youth unemployment, and it’s deeply regarding that this reform prioritizes taxation over the creation of alternatives for financial inclusion and job creation. Our youth want help, not added limitations to financial participation.
3. Impression on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
SMEs are the spine of our economic system and an important livelihood supply for tens of millions. The proposed tax burdens would stifle small enterprise development, making it more durable for younger entrepreneurs to determine and maintain their ventures. Any taxation coverage should take into account the welfare of SMEs and embody help mechanisms to foster their development.
4. Lack of Satisfactory Stakeholder Session
We’re involved by the restricted engagement of key stakeholders, together with youth representatives, group leaders, and enterprise homeowners, in discussions surrounding this tax reform. For a coverage with such important implications, all classes of residents—particularly these immediately affected—must be included within the course of.
5. Lack of Transparency and Accountability in Authorities Income and Spending
Earlier than introducing new taxes, residents deserve a excessive customary of transparency and accountability concerning authorities income era and public fund utilization. Nigerians have to know the way their taxes are used, and it’s crucial that authorities spending is prudent, clear, and accountable.
Our Calls for
We urge all Nationwide Meeting members, significantly these from Northern Nigeria, to think about the next actions within the pursuits of humanity, nationwide peace, and improvement:
1. Speedy Rejection of the Proposed Invoice
