Northern Youths Warn Against Economic Hardship from Tinubu Tax Reforms

The Northern Youth Assembly (Majalisar Matasan Arewa), representing youth from the 19 Northern states, has issued an open letter urging National Assembly members from Northern Nigeria to reject President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bill.

The group argues that the reform would exacerbate economic hardship, especially in Northern regions, disproportionately burden low- and middle-income Nigerians, and neglect critical issues such as youth unemployment and small business growth. They warn that the bill, driven by IMF and World Bank influence, lacks transparency and would further impoverish citizens.

Read the letter below

An Open Letter by the Northern Youth Assembly (Majalisar Matasan Arewa) To All Members of the National Assembly from Northern Nigeria

DEMAND TO REJECT THE PROPOSED TINUBU TAX REFORM BILL TO PROTECT NIGERIANS FROM UNNECESSARY ECONOMIC HARDSHIP DRIVEN BY IMF AND WORLD BANK INFLUENCE

The Northern Youth Assembly (Majalisar Matasan Arewa), representing the leadership of the 19 Northern States, expresses our united and firm rejection of the proposed tax reform bill introduced by the Tinubu administration. As representatives of Northern youth, we believe this proposal, in its current form, will disproportionately affect the economic livelihoods of our people without sufficient consideration for the country’s current economic realities. The bill lacks clear, potential benefits that justify its detrimental impacts on the lives of Nigerian citizens.

Our Basis for Rejecting the Proposed Bill

1. Increased Economic Burden

The proposed tax reforms threaten to place an even greater financial strain on low- and middle-income citizens who are already struggling with economic hardships. Instead of promoting growth and opportunity, the reforms risk increasing hardship for most Nigerians, especially in the North, where poverty rates remain high and economic development lags behind other regions.

2. Youth Unemployment and Economic Exclusion

This bill fails to address one of Nigeria’s most pressing issues: youth unemployment. The Northern region experiences particularly high rates of youth unemployment, and it is deeply concerning that this reform prioritizes taxation over the creation of opportunities for economic inclusion and job creation. Our youth need support, not added barriers to economic participation.

3. Impact on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

SMEs are the backbone of our economy and a crucial livelihood source for millions. The proposed tax burdens would stifle small business growth, making it harder for young entrepreneurs to establish and sustain their ventures. Any taxation policy must consider the welfare of SMEs and include support mechanisms to foster their growth.

4. Lack of Adequate Stakeholder Consultation

We are concerned by the limited engagement of key stakeholders, including youth representatives, community leaders, and business owners, in discussions surrounding this tax reform. For a policy with such significant implications, all categories of citizens—especially those directly affected—should be included in the process.

5. Lack of Transparency and Accountability in Government Revenue and Spending

Before introducing new taxes, citizens deserve a high standard of transparency and accountability regarding government revenue generation and public fund utilization. Nigerians need to know how their taxes are used, and it is imperative that government spending is prudent, transparent, and accountable.

Our Demands

We urge all National Assembly members, particularly those from Northern Nigeria, to consider the following actions in the interests of humanity, national peace, and development:

1. Immediate Rejection of the Proposed Bill

We call on Northern National Assembly members to reject the proposed tax reform bill on the day it is presented on the Assembly floor.

2. Focus on Youth-Friendly Laws to Safeguard Nigeria’s Future

As the nation’s largest demographic, youth should have a voice in laws and policies impacting Nigeria’s future. We call for policies that empower youth to contribute to solutions that promote sustainable development, job creation, and economic empowerment.

3. Prioritize Investment, Job Creation, and Education

Nigeria’s future depends on investments in education, skill development, and job creation. We urge National Assembly members to focus resources on creating laws that encourage foreign investment, skill development, and job creation to empower the youth and enhance economic opportunities.

4. Reject IMF and World Bank Influence

We must avoid IMF and World Bank policies that could harm our country through poorly formulated policies and misguided advice.

The Northern Youth Assembly warns the National Assembly that Nigerians are already at the brink of poverty, anger, and frustration, leaving them vulnerable to actions fueled by these emotions. We therefore advise you to reject President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bill, as it is detrimental to the people’s welfare, economic development, and sovereignty. This bill is an instrument of economic oppression designed to further impoverish Nigerian citizens under the dictates of the World Bank and IMF.

The Tinubu Economic Reforms are destructive measures, and we will not stand by as a few individuals attempt to ruin our nation. We are prepared to mobilize against any National Assembly member, especially from the North, who supports the proposed Tinubu Tax Reform Bill. Such individuals will be identified and labeled as anti-Nigerian and agents of destruction.

Signed,

Dr. Ali Idris Mohammed President

Dr. Garba Abduljafiz Secretary General