The League of Northern Democrats (LND), under the leadership of former Kano State Governor Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, has formed a committee tasked with reviewing the four tax reform bills presented to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu.
Recent reports from Daily Trust indicate that these tax reform bills have ignited significant controversy, particularly among prominent northern leaders. Many of them express concerns that the proposed reforms could exacerbate poverty in the region.
In response to the ongoing debates and disputes surrounding the tax reform bills currently being considered by the National Assembly, the LND has decided to establish a technical committee. This committee will meticulously analyze the proposed legislation clause-by-clause to ensure a well-informed position is reached on each provision.
Dr. Ladan Salihu, the spokesperson for the group, emphasized on Friday that this initiative reflects their commitment to ensuring that new laws are grounded in principles of justice, equity, and prosperity for all Nigerians. The primary goal is to safeguard the developmental interests of the people.
Investment in security and electricity has been highlighted as essential for propelling Nigeria’s development, as noted by Tony Elumelu. This underscores the broader context in which these tax reforms are being debated.
The committee consists of dedicated Northern experts from various fields, including law, public accounting, legislation, and academia. They are expected to complete a comprehensive review of the bills within one week.
Their mandate includes identifying any provisions that may be injurious or inequitable. Additionally, they will propose necessary amendments to ensure that each clause of the bills aligns with the constitutional, religious, and cultural norms of the people, while also promoting national unity and fairness.
After concluding their review, the committee plans to present its findings publicly. This presentation will be made in both electronic and tabular formats, aimed at effectively communicating their recommendations to policymakers, legislators, the media, and the Nigerian public.
Read also: Shekarau-led group rejects the idea of reverting to a parliamentary system
Dr. Salihu expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to generate thorough and well-reasoned recommendations. He stated that these recommendations are intended to maximize benefits for all Nigerians, ensuring that the tax reforms support sustainable development and equitable economic growth across the nation.
Finally, he urged Nigerians to stay tuned for the LND’s public presentation, which will provide clear insights into the bills and the proposed policy position, fostering greater understanding and engagement with the legislative process.
