BREAKING: Forum Rejects Tax Reform Bill, Urges Senate To Agitate Withdrawal

A Bauchi based forum, under the aegis of ‘Togetherness and Development Forum’ has called for the withdrawal of the tax reform bill from the national assembly......Read The Full Article>>.....Read The Full Article>>

The Chairman of the forum, Abdullahi Koli, made the call on behalf of the forum on Wednesday during a press briefing at the conference hall of the National Commission for Museum and Monument, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Tomb, Bauchi.

He said that the briefing was directed to senators representing Bauchi State in the national assembly, namely Abdul Ningi, from Bauchi Central Senatorial District; Shehu Buba, Bauchi South Senatorial District, and Ismail Dahuwa, representing Bauchi North Senatorial District.

He urged them to agitate for the immediate withdrawal of the tax reform bill in the red chamber.

“We, the Bauchi State Togetherness and Development Forum, with a sense of urgency and responsibility, convey the concerns of the good people of Bauchi State over the proposed Tax Reform Bills recently submitted to the National Assembly by the Executive Arm of Government.

“At a time when Nigerians, particularly in Bauchi State, are grappling with unparalleled economic challenges, this proposed legislation threatens to deepen the already dire conditions faced by the majority.

“We appeal to your sense of justice, equity, and representation to carefully reconsider these bills and advocate for policies that align with the needs and aspirations of your constituents,” he pleaded.

Relating the consequences of the tax bill to the state of the nation, the forum expressed worries that Majority of Nigerians, including the people of Bauchi State, are enduring severe economic hardships stemming largely from the removal of oil subsidies.

“This decision has exacerbated inflation, leaving many families unable to afford basic needs such as food, healthcare, and education.

“Social mobility has been stifled, and the level of insecurity continues to rise, further endangering lives and property,” he said.

According to him, these challenges have made life extremely difficult for the average Nigerian, with youths expressing their frustrations through protests earlier this year.

He lamented that instead of addressing these grievances, the Executive Arm responded with additional measures such as increasing the price of petrol, introducing new taxes, and raising existing charges, including electricity tariffs and electronic transfer fees.

“The justification for these bills, as stated by the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, is to maximize tax revenue and reduce dependence on oil revenue.

“However, this approach places an undue burden on an already overtaxed populace and struggling businesses. Many foreign businesses have exited Nigeria, and domestic enterprises are barely surviving.

“The appropriate step would be to minimize taxes and alleviate the suffering of the people, not to exacerbate it,” said the Chairman.