COALITION OF NORTHERN GROUPS REJECTS 7.5 PERCENT VAT, DEMANDS REVERSAL TO 3 PERCENT 28-01-25
By Sadiq Aminu The coalition of Northern Groups, (CNG)has rejected the seven point five percent Value Added Tax (VAT) increase by the federal government and demanded to be revised to three percent.
This was the stand of the coalition at a One Day Town Hall meeting for Civil Society Organizations and Critical Stakeholders organised by the CNG held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.
Speaking on the forum, the National Coordinator of the coalition, Comrade Jamilu Charanchi, called on government to finding/ profer solution of reducing the hardship in which Nigerians are into rather than increasing the VAT.
Comrade Charanchi, reemphasised the stand of the coalition to rejecting any increase on the Tax Reform Bill and as well demand better transformation in the sectors of education, health and improvement in general infrastructure considering taxes being collected and removal of fuel subsidy in the country.
The Chairman, Kebbi State Chapter of the coalition, Comrade Mansur Isa Guruza, said the Coalition Stance on the Proposed Tax Reform Bill, has meticulously analyzed the provisions of the proposed Tax Reform Bill saying, why the groups have acknowledge the government’s intent to bolster revenue generation, “we have identified significant concerns, particularly regarding the VAT reform, which we believe could have far reaching adverse effects on the Northern region, including our beloved Kebbi State”.
Comrade Isa Guruza, said by altering the VAT sharing formula without adequate safeguards, the reform risks widening the economic gap between the North and South and such outcome could foster social unrest, trigger migration to economically stronger states and precipitate other socio-economic challenges and therefore urged to avoid any policy that could deepen regional inequalities.
The Kebbi State Chairman, Civil Society Organisations, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Ngaski, demanded justification on the taxes redeemed to federal government couppers and as well called for reform in fighting corruption in the country.
The theme for the meeting “Tax Reform Bill: A catalyst for Economic Growth or a Burden on the people?.