Northern elders demand suspension of tax reform bills, urge dialogue

The Northern Elders Discussion board has reiterated its opposition to the Federal Authorities’s proposed Tax Reform Payments, demanding their rapid suspension and calling for intensive dialogue with stakeholders.

The discussion board criticised the Federal Authorities for failing to have interaction important stakeholders and consultants earlier than drafting the reforms.

In a press assertion launched on Saturday and signed by its Administration Board Chairman, Al-Amin Daggash, the discussion board outlined the potential antagonistic results of the reforms on Northern Nigeria and the nation as a complete.

Daggash said, “It’s essential to stress that Nigerians usually, and Northerners particularly, aren’t against good and significant reforms initiated by authorities on the federal, state, or native authorities ranges.

“Nevertheless, primarily based on world greatest practices, profitable reforms are anchored on sure key ideas of the general public policy-making course of, which embody however aren’t restricted to the next, “In depth pre-reform engagements with consultants and significant stakeholders to safe their buy-in.

“Establishing a well-defined media and communication technique to obviously articulate the total scope of the reforms and guarantee public consciousness and enlightenment on a nationwide scale.

“Designing a sturdy, clear, and inclusive implementation mechanism.

“Proactively implementing a well-sequenced course of to make sure the reforms obtain the specified and anticipated outcomes for society.”

Daggash added, “The Northern Elders Discussion board asserts that the proposed Tax Reform Payments by the Federal Authorities breach these key ideas of reform and public policy-making, that are globally recognised as greatest practices.”