Northern elders demand suspension of tax reform payments, urge dialogue

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

The discussion board criticised the Federal Authorities for failing to interact essential 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 opposed results of the reforms on Northern Nigeria and the nation as a complete.

Daggash said, “It’s obligatory to emphasize that Nigerians usually, and Northerners particularly, should not against good and significant reforms initiated by authorities on the federal, state, or native authorities ranges.

“Nevertheless, primarily based on world finest practices, profitable reforms are anchored on sure key ideas of the general public policy-making course of, which embrace however should not restricted to the next, “Intensive pre-reform engagements with consultants and important stakeholders to safe their buy-in.

“Establishing a well-defined media and communication technique to obviously articulate the complete 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 finest practices.”