The Bauchi State Togetherness and Development Forum has voiced strong opposition to the proposed Tax Reform Bills currently under consideration by the National Assembly, calling for their immediate withdrawal.
During a press conference held on Wednesday at the National Commission for Museum and Monument, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Tomb in Bauchi, the Forum’s Chairman, Abdullahi Koli, directed a fervent appeal to the state’s senators. He urged Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), Shehu Buba (Bauchi South), and Ismail Dahuwa (Bauchi North) to resist the passage of the bills in the Senate.
Addressing journalists, Koli emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating, “We, the Bauchi State Togetherness and Development Forum, urgently convey the concerns of our people regarding the proposed Tax Reform Bills submitted to the National Assembly. At a time when Nigerians are grappling with unprecedented economic hardship, this legislation threatens to worsen their plight.”
The group linked the escalating hardship in Bauchi State and across Nigeria to recent economic policies, particularly the removal of subsidies on petroleum products. According to Koli, these measures have fueled inflation, deepened poverty, and left many unable to afford essential needs such as food, healthcare, and education.
The Forum expressed frustration over the government’s handling of fiscal reforms, noting that new taxes, increased electricity tariffs, and higher transfer fees are already burdening citizens. Adding more taxes, Koli warned, could exacerbate the suffering of Nigerians.
“While the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee claims the bill aims to maximize revenue and reduce dependence on oil, it places an unfair burden on an already overtaxed populace,” he said. “Businesses are shutting down, and foreign investors are fleeing.”
Koli proposed alternative solutions, such as cutting unnecessary government expenses, reducing expenditures on the presidential fleet, and curbing luxury trips. He criticized these lavish spending habits as irresponsible during such a challenging economic period.
The Forum also raised alarm over the rapid pace at which the Tax Reform Bills are being processed in the National Assembly. Koli cited the example of the 2024 Appropriation Bill, which reportedly contained N3 trillion in padded expenses that were later flagged by Senator Abdul Ningi.
“Experience shows that rushed bills often come with unpleasant consequences,” Koli remarked.
The Forum called on Bauchi’s senators to act decisively in rejecting the Tax Reform Bills, emphasizing their responsibility to protect their constituents from further economic strain. Koli stressed the need for thorough scrutiny of the proposed legislation to prevent additional hardships for Nigerians.
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