Nigeria Newspapers Online

The Northern States Governors Forum has frowned at the content of the recent Tax Reform Bill that was forwarded to the National Assembly because it is against the interests of the north and other sub-nationals.

The Northern Governors called on the federal legislators to oppose the proposed amendment to the distribution of Value Added Tax (VAT) to Derivation-based Model because ‘’companies remit VAT using location of their headquarters and tax office and not where the services and goods are consumed.’’’

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The Governors made this known at the end of a joint meeting of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Northern Traditional Ruler’ Council (Emirs and Chiefs) held on Monday in Kaduna.

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The communique said that ‘’the Forum unanimously rejects the proposed Tax Amendments and calls on members of National Assembly to oppose any bill that can jeopardise the well-being of our people.’’

‘’The Northern Governors’ Forum is not averse to any policies or programmes that will ensure the growth and development of the Country.

‘’ However, the Forum calls for equity and farness in the implementation of all national policies and programmes so as to ensure that no geopolitical zone is short-changed or marginalised,’’ the communique stated.

The Forum also called on the ‘’ Federal Government and relevant Agencies to urgently address the current electricity power blackout affecting most of the Northern States due to 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 so as to better connect our region and improve our energy resilience,’’ the Governors argued.

The communique also focused on the recent “End Bad Governance” protests that took place in August, arguing that it has made the Governors ‘’ to scale up efforts to tackle the root causes of youth restiveness by investing in education, skills development, job creation and pathways for the youth to channel their energy into productive ventures, thereby reducing their vulnerability to crime and social vices.’’

The Governors emphasised that Traditional Institutions are critical in the quest for lasting peace and security in the region, just as they also acknowledged their commitment in bridging the gap between the Government and the people.

‘’ Forum advocates for increased roles for the Traditional Institutions to maximize cooperation with security agencies in the fight against kidnap for ransom, banditry, cattle rustling, communal clashes, farmers/herder clashes and other forms of criminality.

The communique acknowledged the recent gains made against criminals, especially the elimination of bandits and terror leaders but resolved that these gains be sustained to ensure lasting peace and stability in the sub-region.

The Governors commended the Federal Government and security agencies for their commitment in ensuring that our communities are safe and secure.

‘’Particularly, we commend the untiring commitment of the Chief of Defence Staff General C. J Musa whose professionalism and innovative approach has made difference in security architecture of the Country at large. Nevertheless more needs to be done to address pockets of challenges that abound in the Northern Region,’’ they said.

According to the communique, Northern Nigeria holds immense agricultural potentials, 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.

‘’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. That can be achieved through re-industrialisation of the North especially by reviving the textile value chain and development of other agro-allied industries.

‘’ Forum commends His Excellency, the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the reform initiative in the livestock sub-sector and agreed to provide the necessary political will and commitment to ensure the success of the Federal Government livestock development initiatives.

Forum extended its deepest sympathies to the victims of the recent flood disasters in Maiduguri and other parts of the North, as well as to the families affected by the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State.

‘’The Forum equally commiserates with other victims of terrorism, banditry and similar criminal activities in the North and Nigeria at large and stand in solidarity with them during these difficult times.

‘’We agreed to continue to work with the Federal Government and relevant agencies to provide the necessary support and relief to those affected.

‘’On the present economic hardship affecting the Country, the Forum is appealing to all citizens to remain calm, as the states and Federal Government are working hard to implement measures that will cushion effects of the hardship.’’