The Arewa Dignity Advancement Initiative (ADAI) has urged the National Assembly to reject the tax reform bill submitted by the Presidency, describing it as ill-timed and a threat to national unity.
In a statement signed by ADAI Chairperson Baheejah Mahmood and other regional leaders, including Hon. Musa Ibrahim Bere (Kebbi State) and Comrade Abdullahi Wadata Isa (Bauchi State), the group cited widespread opposition to the bill from academia, civil society organizations, and some state governors.
ADAI criticized the bill for excluding stakeholders in the drafting process and its VAT redistribution formula.
“The redistribution formula in Section 77, which allocates 60% of VAT revenue based on consumption location, contradicts existing laws emphasizing equality and population as the basis for revenue sharing,” the statement read.
The group argued that introducing additional taxation during the country’s economic struggles would worsen the hardships faced by Nigerians.
“In these challenging economic times, our priority should be on implementing bailout programs to stabilize the economy, not imposing new taxes that will further burden the people,” they stated.
ADAI also questioned the procedures through which the bill reached the National Assembly, urging lawmakers to consider the demands of their constituents.
“Distinguished parliamentarians, your duty is to uphold the rule of law and protect democratic ideals by rejecting this bill, which clearly lacks merit and fairness,” the statement emphasized.
The group called for inclusive decision-making processes in governance. “As a patriotic and law-abiding organization, we stand for justice, equity, and unity in our beloved Nigeria,” they concluded.
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