Hussaini Kafi in Kano
The 19th Northern States Governors’ Forum and the Northern States Council of Emirates and Chiefs have jointly condemned the proposed tax reform bill, deeming it detrimental to the interests of the Northern region.
The decision was reached at a crucial meeting held in Kaduna on Monday. The forum expressed concerns over the potential negative impact of the proposed tax amendments, particularly the shift to a derivative-based model for Value-Added Tax (VAT) distribution.
In addition to the tax reform issue, the leaders also addressed the ongoing electricity crisis affecting the region. They called on the federal government and relevant authorities to urgently restore power supply and invest in infrastructure to prevent future disruptions.
The communiqué issued at the end of the meeting highlighted several other key issues:
* Agricultural Development: The forum emphasized the need to support farmers, invest in agricultural infrastructure, and revive agro-industries to boost food security and economic growth.
* Youth Empowerment: The leaders acknowledged the importance of addressing youth unemployment and called for increased investment in education and skills development.
* Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability: The forum expressed concern over the impact of climate change, particularly recent floods, and urged for increased investment in irrigation infrastructure and sustainable practices.
* Security: The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to working with security agencies to address security challenges and ensure the safety of citizens.
The meeting concluded with a call for unity, cooperation, and effective governance to address the region’s multifaceted challenges. The leaders expressed their determination to work together to secure a prosperous future for the Northern region.
