Northern Youth condemns Kano lawmaker for endorsing tax reform bill

November 12, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

The Northern Youth Assembly has strongly criticized Abdulmumin Jibrin, a House of Representatives member from Kano State, for supporting the contentious tax reform bill.

Jibrin, who previously chaired the House Committee on Appropriation, allegedly sparked outrage during a recent TV interview where he openly backed the “anti-North tax reform bill.”

The Assembly, representing 19 Northern states, expressed disappointment through Comrade Mohammed Hussaini Bauchi, National Assistant Publicity Secretary.

They believe Jibrin’s stance will further economically and commercially marginalize the region.

Bauchi said, “As representatives of Northern Nigerian youth, we believe that this proposal, in its current form, will disproportionately affect the economic livelihoods and aspirations of our people, without considering the current economic reality in the country. While the proposed tax reform may be of significant interest to those at the centre, your unwavering enthusiasm to champion this anti-North bill exposes a misguided commitment to the cause of those you represent.

“It is evident that the North faces a range of critical issues, including an acute shortage of electricity supply, rampant insecurity, severe poverty, unemployment, and a dismal state of infrastructure, to name just a few. We believe that these are some of the challenges your constituents suffer from, and the purpose of your election was to address them through effective legislation and advocacy, rather than dedicating your legislative energy to serve an agenda that could further marginalise the Northern Nigerian people, the region from which you come.

“It would be wiser and more beneficial for you to prioritise your efforts towards addressing the disturbing socio-economic challenges ravaging the people of the North. This tax reform, in its current form, threatens to exacerbate the burdens on businesses and families in Northern Nigeria—businesses that are already struggling to survive due to unreliable power, inconsistent policy, lack of Federal Government support, and poor access to essential services.”

The tax reform bill, introduced by the Tinubu administration, aims to revise the Value Added Tax (VAT) allocation, considering the derivation principle

This move has been met with opposition from Northern Governors and Lawmakers, who argue it would marginalize the region.

The group emphasized that they need representatives who would promote the regions interests.