The Arewa Broadcast Media Practitioner’s Forum (ABMPF) has called on the Federal Government to withdraw the proposed Value Added Tax (VAT) bill currently before the National Assembly, citing concerns over its potential impact on Northern Nigeria and the nation’s economic balance.
In a press statement issued today, the Forum, chaired by Abdullahi Yelwa, highlighted several contentious provisions in the bill, including a tax on inheritance funds, which they described as contrary to religious and cultural values of the North. They also criticized the proposed revenue distribution model, which they claim exacerbates economic disparities between the regions.
The Forum decried the use of ethnic and regional sentiments in debates supporting the bill, emphasizing that all Nigerians, including the economically disadvantaged North, have the right to voice concerns about public policies.
The ABMPF further expressed dismay at the “fire brigade approach” of the Tax Reform Committee in engaging stakeholders after the bill’s introduction. They urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to prioritize consultations and ensure a VAT system that is “fair, equitable, and beneficial to all Nigerians.”
The statement concludes with a call for unity, urging the government to address the contentious issues and promote a VAT regime that fosters national cohesion and development.
For more details, contact:
Abdullahi Yelwa (Ajiyan Yauri)
Chairman, Arewa Broadcast Media Practitioner’s Forum
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