A coalition of Northern youth groups has condemned the politicization of the ongoing debate surrounding the tax reform bills, accusing certain political actors of manipulating the discourse for personal and political gain.
This was contained in a communiqué 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.
According to the communiqué which was issued after a conference in Kaduna on Thursday, the groups highlighted the importance of the tax reform bills for Nigeria’s long-term fiscal stability and sustainable development.
“Regrettably, the discourse on the tax reform bills has been heavily politicized, regionalized, and ethnically charged,” the communiqué read.
“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.”
The youth leaders expressed concerns that some political actors are disguising personal interests as regional or national concerns, turning the tax reform discussion into a platform for blackmail, subtle threats, and divisive rhetoric.
“These actions neither reflect Northern values nor serve the region’s best interests,” they stated.
The groups emphasized Northern Nigeria’s potential for self-sufficiency, citing the region’s natural resources, large population, and rich cultural heritage.
They criticized leadership failures at the sub-national level for hindering the effective utilization of these resources to uplift the region.
“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,” the communiqué added.
The coalition also called on Northerners to actively participate in the upcoming public hearings on the tax bills and engage lawmakers constructively.
“Northerners are encouraged to disregard divisive rhetoric propagated by agents of discord and to present their views constructively through established democratic channels,” the groups urged.
The communiqué further encouraged Northern states to diversify revenue sources to reduce dependency on federal allocations.
“State governors and leaders should prioritize agricultural development, leveraging the region’s potential in value chains such as cotton and groundnuts to boost productivity,” the statement advised.
It also urged Northern states to capitalize on federal policies on solid minerals and livestock development to generate income, create jobs, and increase revenue.