The Northern Union, along with 72 other Arewa groups, has declared its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills.
This endorsement follows a Senate public hearing where various stakeholders debated the proposed reforms.
According to the Northern Union, the bills align with their commitment to economic growth, fairness, and simplicity.
The group’s president, Alhaji Adamu Muazu Garuba, highlighted that the reforms would streamline tax administration, lower compliance costs, and encourage investment in key sectors.
Speaking after the hearing, Garuba praised Senate Committee Chairman, Senator Sani Musa, for his professionalism, neutrality, and commitment to ensuring that all voices were heard.
” The benefits of the Tax Reform Bills to the North are numerous,” Garuba stated. A simplified tax system will attract investments, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth.”
He further explained that the additional revenue generated would enable governments to fund essential infrastructure and social programmes, tackling issues such as inadequate healthcare, education, and transport networks.
The reforms, he added, would also promote fairness by eliminating multiple taxation and reducing the tax burden on low-income earners, ultimately contributing to poverty reduction and social justice.
“A simplified tax system will attract investments, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth in the region. This, in turn, will lead to increased economic activity, improved living standards, and reduced poverty levels,” he said.
Garuba emphasised that the North, as a key contributor to Nigeria’s economy, would see significant benefits from the proposed changes, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are crucial to the region’s economy.
“As the North is a significant contributor to Nigeria’s economy, the benefits of the Tax Reform Bills will be felt across the country. The reduction in compliance costs will also ease the burden on taxpayers in the North, enabling them to invest in their businesses and communities.
“This will be particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are the backbone of the Northern economy. By reducing the tax burden on SMEs, the Tax Reform Bills will promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation in the region,” he said.
He urged all northerners to support the Tax Reform Bills, describing them as a vital step towards economic prosperity.
“We urge all northerners to join us in supporting the Tax Reform Bills. These reforms are in our best interest and will promote economic growth, fairness, and simplicity.
“We must work together to ensure that these reforms are passed into law and implemented effectively. We also call on our lawmakers to expedite the passage of the Tax Reform Bills.
“We urge them to put aside their differences and work together to pass these critical reforms. The fate of our region and our people depends on it. Finally, we commend President Tinubu for his leadership and vision in proposing these reforms,” he said.
