By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
The Northern States Governor’s Forum (NSGF) has vehemently rejected Federal Government’s proposed income tax bill sent to the National Assembly.
The Forum made its stance in a communique read by Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, Chairman of the NSGF, at the close of a strategic meeting in Kaduna.
The Forum noted with dismay that the contents of the bill were against the interest of the North and other sub-nationals, especially the proposed amendment to the distribution of Value Added Tax (VAT) to the Derivation-based Model.
The Governors highlights that this was because companies remit VAT using the location of their headquarters and tax office and not where the services and goods are consumed, stressing given the foregoing, the Forum unanimously rejects the proposed Tax Amendments and calls on members of the National Assembly to oppose any bill that can jeopardize the well-being of their people.
” For the avoidance of doubt, the Northern Governor’s Forum is not averse to any policies or programs that will ensure the growth and development of the Country.
” We call for equity and fairness in the implementation of all national policies and programs to ensure that no geopolitical zone is short-changed or marginalized.” The Forum stated.
While commenting on the outage that has crippled businesses in the North, the Northern Governor’s Forum calls on the Federal Government and relevant Agencies to urgently address the current electricity power blackout affecting most of the Northern States due to the vandalization of electricity transmission infrastructure.
“This matter not only underscores the vulnerability of critical infrastructure but also the need to build additional transmission lines and diversify our energy supply to better connect our region and improve our energy resilience.
They further agree that Northern Nigeria holds immense agricultural potential, which, if fully harnessed, can significantly alleviate hunger and boost economic growth. To achieve this, we resolved to provide adequate support to our farmers, including access to financing, modern farming techniques, and infrastructure such as roads and irrigation systems.
On Insecurity, the Forum acknowledges the recent gains made against criminals, especially the elimination of bandits and terror leaders, while commending the Federal Government and security agencies for their commitment to ensuring that their communities are safe and secure.
The Forum particularly commends the untiring commitment of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, whose professionalism and innovative approach have made a difference in the security architecture of the Country at large, noting more needs to be done to address pockets of challenges that abound in the Northern Region.
” We resolved to sustain these gains to ensure lasting peace and stability in the sub-region.
” Agriculture should not only be seen as a means to feed our people but also as a catalyst for industrialization and job creation across the region, saying that can be achieved through re-industrialization of the North, especially by reviving the textile value chain and development of other agro-allied industries.
On the present economic hardship affecting the Country, the Forum appealed to all citizens to remain calm, as the states and Federal Government are working hard to implement measures that will cushion the effects of the hardship.
