Northern youths: Divisive agents exploiting tax reform bills for political gains

A group of northern youths says some divisive agents are manipulating the debate on the tax reform bills for political gains.

In a communique issued after a conference in Kaduna on Thursday, the youths said the benefits of the tax reform bills are crucial for long-term fiscal stability and sustainable development in the country.

The event was organised by a coalition comprising the Nigeria First Project and the Muryar Talaka Awareness Initiative.

“Participants acknowledged the public debate sparked by the four tax reform bills presented to the national assembly by the executive arm of government,” the communique reads.

“Such debates are integral to a democratic process, and citizen participation in law-making is commendable.

“Regrettably, the discourse on the tax reform bills has been heavily politicised, regionalised, and ethnically charged. Self-proclaimed regional and ethnic champions have infused toxic politics and sentiments into the debate, thereby overshadowing quality contributions that could benefit the people and improve the economy.

“Certain political actors are deliberately manipulating public sentiment, disguising personal interests under the guise of regional or national concern.

“The tax reform bills are being misused as tools for blackmail, undermining the president, issuing subtle threats, and stirring ethnic and regional divisions—actions that neither reflect Northern values nor serve the region’s best interests,” the group said.

“Northern Nigeria is undeniably rich in natural resources, favourable climate, a large population, and a vibrant cultural heritage. If fully harnessed, these resources could render the region economically self-sufficient, as was the case during the First Republic.

“The fundamental challenge facing Northern Nigeria lies in leadership failures at the sub-national level, which have hindered the effective utilization of the region’s abundant resources to uplift the majority.

“The tax reform bills present an opportunity for the North—a call to action for its leaders to explore innovative strategies for harnessing the region’s vast potential.

“Participants urge caution and restraint in the ongoing debate over the tax reform bills. The general public is advised to disregard divisive rhetoric propagated by agents of discord seeking to exploit this issue for political gain.

“Northerners are encouraged to actively participate in the upcoming public hearings on the tax bills. Citizens should present their views constructively and engage lawmakers through established democratic channels, as advised by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Northern states should diversify their revenue sources to reduce dependence on federal allocations. State governors and leaders should prioritise agricultural development, leveraging the region’s potential in value chains such as cotton and groundnuts to boost productivity.

“Northern states should capitalize on federal government policies on solid minerals and livestock development to generate income, employment, and revenue.”

The participants asked Nigerians, particularly northerners, to be “wary of political actors using the tax reform debate as a platform to advance their ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections”.

The communique was signed by Hamza Saulawa, coordinator of the Nigeria First Project Initiative; Bishir Unguwa, secretary of the Muryar Talaka Awareness Initiative; and Sadi Sadiq, coordinator of the Coalition of Northern Nigerian Students Forum.