The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), Sokoto State Chapter, has condemned the proposed Tax Reform Bills introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The group described the bills as a threat to the already dire socioeconomic conditions in Sokoto and the entire Northern Nigeria.

Speaking at a press conference, the state coordinator of the CNG Comrade Faisal Salisu expressed deep concern over the proposed reforms, which they believe will disproportionately and negatively affect Northern Nigeria.

The group cited the new VAT derivation formula and the consolidation of multiple levies into a single “development levy” as examples of the reforms’ potential harm.

The CNG said that the proposed VAT sharing formula will benefit only Lagos and Rivers states, leaving Sokoto state and the entire North, along with the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones, with limited resources.

According to them, the proposed bill will make it difficult for many states to meet basic obligations such as paying workers’ salaries or funding critical services.

The CNG also expressed concern over the defunding of pivotal institutions such as TETFUND, NITDA, and NASENI, which they believe will stifle advancements in education, technology, and industrial sectors crucial for the North’s development.