Senator Ndume Rejects Claims of Northern Dependency, Criticizes Tax Reform Timing
Ali Ndume, the former Senate Leader and current Senator representing Borno South, has firmly rejected claims that the northern region of Nigeria is economically parasitic or dependent. Speaking on Sunday, Ndume emphasized the interdependence of all regions in Nigeria, noting that every state and zone relies on each other for survival, regardless of their resources.
“We are assets, not liabilities, to Nigeria. The North has never been and will never be a parasite,” Ndume said, addressing concerns that the proposed tax reforms disproportionately target northern interests. He urged that the reforms, which apply equally to all low- and middle-income Nigerians, should not be seen as an attack on any particular region.
Ndume called for transparency and prudence in managing the country’s resources and stressed the need for the government to engage in broader consultations before implementing the proposed tax reforms. He expressed concerns that the current economic difficulties Nigerians face could be worsened if the reforms were rushed through without proper dialogue with critical stakeholders, including state governments, local governments, and the private sector.
The senator also urged the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to focus on broadening the tax base, improving collection efficiency, and ensuring that commercial banks, which report significant profits, contribute fairly to the nation’s tax system. Ndume suggested that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should scrutinize the banking sector to ensure that they contribute equitably to the country’s fiscal health.
Ndume further criticized the proposed tax reform package, which includes the establishment of a Joint Revenue Board, a Tax Appeal Tribunal, and the Office of the Tax Ombudsman. He argued that such reforms should follow broader governance reforms to address Nigeria’s fiscal challenges.
