Former Senate Leader, Mohammed Ali Ndume, on Sunday, responded to growing concerns about the economic survival of the North, asserting that the region is not parasitic.
Representing Borno South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Ndume emphasized that all regions in Nigeria rely on one another, regardless of wealth.
“The North was, is, and will never be a parasite or dependent on any region or even the country,” Ndume declared. “We are assets, not liabilities, to Nigeria.”
Ndume also addressed the ongoing tax reforms, dismissing claims that the proposed changes solely target the North. He argued that the reforms, which primarily affect low and middle-income Nigerians, are a national issue, not a regional one.
“Those who think that the current tax reforms are only against Northern interests are naive. As it is, the law is against all low and middle-income Nigerians,” he stated.
Despite his recent removal as Chief Whip of the Senate for his outspoken views, Ndume remains critical of the timing and implementation of the new tax reform bills.
He warned that the proposed reforms might exacerbate the economic hardships faced by Nigerians, urging for further consultations before pushing the bills forward.
“I’m still insisting that the Tax Reforms Bills be withdrawn for more consultations and buy-in of critical stakeholders like state, local government, and private sectors,” Ndume said.
The proposed reforms, part of President Bola Tinubu’s comprehensive tax overhaul, include the establishment of a Joint Revenue Board, the Tax Appeal Tribunal, and the Office of the Tax Ombudsman. However, Ndume expressed concerns about their potential impact, highlighting issues such as the question of derivation and Value Added Tax (VAT).
“Reform is necessary, but you have to prioritize, time it correctly, and ensure the buy-in of Nigerians because this is a democracy,” Ndume emphasized. “The government should be for the people, by the people, and of the people.”
The Senator also suggested that the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) focus on expanding its tax net, encouraging the agency to improve accountability and transparency in the process. He also called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to scrutinize commercial banks, urging them to contribute more to national revenue through higher taxes on their substantial profits.
“We need to reform the government holistically,” Ndume concluded. “Personnel and overhead expenditures for 2024 account for 50 to 60 percent of the budget, and yet, 20 percent of the budget remains unimplemented. Over 15 to 20 trillion naira is going into personnel, debt servicing, and recurrent expenditure, which is unsustainable.”
