The 19th Northern States Governors Forum, alongside the Northern States Council of Emirs and Chiefs, has unanimously rejected the recent tax reform bill presented to the National Assembly, deeming it counter to the region’s interests.
In a statement read by the Chairman of the Governors Forum, Alhaji Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, at Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House in Kaduna, the forum called on National Assembly members to oppose any legislation that could harm the welfare of Northern Nigeria.
The forum also urged the federal government and relevant agencies to swiftly address the prolonged electricity blackout affecting the region, which has resulted from infrastructure vandalism. Emphasizing the need to secure critical infrastructure, the governors proposed constructing additional transmission lines and diversifying energy resources to strengthen the North’s connectivity and energy resilience.
The forum highlighted Northern Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential, emphasizing that harnessing these resources could alleviate hunger and spur economic growth. To support farmers, the forum resolved to improve access to financing, promote modern agricultural techniques, and invest in essential infrastructure, such as roads and irrigation. They further underscored the importance of reviving the textile industry and developing other agro-allied sectors to drive industrialization and job creation across the North.
Expressing appreciation for the president’s reform initiatives in livestock management, the forum committed to cooperating with the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee to enhance outcomes in this sector.
Acknowledging the impact of climate change on the region, particularly the recent flooding incidents, the forum resolved to collaborate with the federal government and stakeholders to construct irrigation systems, including canals and waterways. These measures aim to divert excess water for agricultural use, enhancing rural livelihoods and food security.
The governors also pledged support for programs addressing out-of-school children and improving education in the region.
In response to the proposed tax reform bill, the forum voiced strong opposition to the Value Added Tax (VAT) redistribution model based on derivation. They argued that the current system, where VAT is remitted according to company headquarters rather than where goods and services are consumed, disadvantages the North and other sub-national regions. Consequently, the forum called on lawmakers to reject any amendments that could compromise the region’s welfare.
The forum clarified that while it supports policies fostering national growth, it insists on fair implementation across all regions to prevent marginalization of any geopolitical zone.
Addressing the ongoing economic challenges, the forum appealed for calm, assuring citizens that both state and federal governments are working on solutions to alleviate the current hardships.
