Suspend Tax Reform Bills For Dialogue, Northern Elders Tell Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has been advised by the Northern Elders Forum to suspend his proposed Tax Reform Bills, and have extensive dialogue with stakeholders.
The forum in a press statement released on Saturday and signed by its Management Board Chairman, Al-Amin Daggash, criticised the Federal Government for failing to engage critical stakeholders and experts before drafting the reforms.
Daggash who outlined the potential adverse effects of the reforms on Northern Nigeria and the country as a whole said, “It is necessary to emphasise that Nigerians in general, and Northerners in particular, are not opposed to good and meaningful reforms initiated by authorities at the federal, state, or local government levels.
“However, based on global best practices, successful reforms are anchored on certain key principles of the public policy-making process, which include but are not limited to the following, “Extensive pre-reform engagements with experts and critical stakeholders to secure their buy-in.
“Establishing a well-defined media and communication strategy to clearly articulate the full scope of the reforms and ensure public awareness and enlightenment on a nationwide scale.
“Designing a robust, transparent, and inclusive implementation mechanism.
“Proactively implementing a well-sequenced process to ensure the reforms achieve the desired and anticipated outcomes for society.”
Daggash added, “The Northern Elders Forum asserts that the proposed Tax Reform Bills by the Federal Government breach these key principles of reform and public policy-making, which are globally recognised as best practices.”
