Bauchi Group Rejects Tax Reform Bill, Demands Withdrawal

Bauchi State Togetherness and Development Forum has called for the withdrawal of the tax reform bills from the National Assembly.

The chairman of the forum, Abdullahi Koli declared their stance on Wednesday during a press conference in Bauchi.

Koli emphasised 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, urged them to agitate for the withdrawal of the tax reform bill in the red chamber.

He explained, “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.”

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.”

These challenges, according to the forum, have made life extremely difficult for the average Nigerian, with youths expressing their frustrations through protests earlier this year.

“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,” he said.

In regards, Abdullahi Koli noted “The justification for these bills, as stated by the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, is to maximise 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 minimise taxes and alleviate the suffering of the people, not to exacerbate it.”

He also believes that “Reducing dependence on oil by overburdening citizens with taxes is both unsustainable and unfair.

“A more prudent approach would be to curtail unnecessary government expenditures. For instance, the reduction of the presidential fleet, extravagant official trips, and other non-essential expenses could generate significant savings without imposing further hardship on citizens.

The Bauchi forum also expressed concerns about the hasty passage of the tax reform bill.

“We are deeply concerned about the expedited manner in which these bills are being pushed through the legislative process.

“Experience has shown that hastily passed bills often have unpalatable consequences for Nigerians.

“For example, the 2024 Appropriation Bill, hurriedly passed, contained a staggering N3 trillion in padded expenses, which was only identified after the fact as Senator Abdul Ningi exposes this anomaly.”

Our correspondent reported that the forum urges the senators to remain vigilant in scrutinising the Tax Reform Bills to prevent similar occurrences.