Northern Youth Reject FG’s Tax Reform Proposals, Demand Fairness and Equity
By Aluta News
December 02, 2024
The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership has categorically rejected the Federal Government’s recent tax reform proposals, citing inherent bias against the Northern region. The proposed increase in Value-Added Tax (VAT) from 7.5% to 15% within five years is deemed unacceptable, given the current economic realities faced by the Northern people .
Abdul Danbature, Speaker of the Arewa Youth Assembly Disclosed at Press conference on Monday in Abuja
The youth assembly also strongly rejects the proposal to increase derivation sharing from 20% to 60%, labeling it unfair and ignorant of the region’s historical and economic realities. They argue that the North has been the backbone of Nigeria’s economy and deserves a fair share of revenue generated from its resources.
This development comes on the heels of the tax reform bills passing the second reading in the Senate, despite objections from some lawmakers. The Northern Youth Assembly’s stance reflects the growing concern among Northern stakeholders about the potential impact of these reforms on their region’s economic development and welfare.
In a related development, the Northern Youth Assembly has attacked Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin, accusing him of being insensitive to the region’s economic plight. The youths described the proposed tax reform bills as “anti-North” and vowed to fight against their passage .