The Northern Elders Forum has urged the federal government to immediately suspend the controversial Tax Reform Bill proposed by President Bola Tinubu, citing concerns over its potential negative impact on the country’s economy.
In a statement released on Saturday, signed by the Chairman of its Management Board, Al-Amin Daggash, the forum criticized the government for failing to consult experts and stakeholders before drafting the bill.
It also warned that the bill could harm Nigeria’s economy, calling for open dialogue with the President to discuss the way forward.
Daggash emphasized that while the Northern Elders Forum does not oppose necessary reforms, successful reforms should be built on sound public policy principles.
“Extensive pre-reform engagements with experts and critical stakeholders to secure their buy-in” are essential, he noted.
The forum also called on President Tinubu to implement a comprehensive media and communication strategy to explain the reforms to the public and raise awareness across the nation.
“The government must establish a well-defined media and communication strategy to clearly articulate the full scope of the reforms and ensure public awareness and enlightenment on a nationwide scale,” Daggash said.
He insisted that the proposed Tax Reform Bill fails to meet the globally recognized standards of successful public policy-making.
