The Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) has once again expressed concern regarding the Federal Government’s proposed Tax Reform Bills, calling for their immediate suspension and advocating for thorough discussions with stakeholders.
In a statement released on Saturday and signed by Al-Amin Daggash, the Chairman of the Management Board, the forum criticized the government’s lack of engagement with essential stakeholders and experts during the drafting process. They believe this oversight could have negative implications for Northern Nigeria and the entire nation.
Daggash emphasized, “It is crucial to clarify that Nigerians, particularly those from the North, are not opposed to implementing beneficial reforms at any level of government. However, our experiences indicate that successful reforms align with key principles of effective public policy-making.”
He outlined essential characteristics for successful reforms, which include:
1. Early Engagement: Involving experts and critical stakeholders ahead of reforms to ensure their support.
2. Communication Strategy: Establishing a clear media and communication plan to inform the public about the reforms and raise awareness nationwide.
3. Implementation Mechanism: Creating a transparent and inclusive approach to executing the reforms, ensuring they achieve the intended societal outcomes.
The NEF firmly asserts that the recently proposed Tax Reform Bills violate these fundamental principles of public policy-making and global best practices.
