The Northern State Governors and the traditional rulers council deliberated on matters relating to Agriculture, Education, Economy, power supply, human capital investment, tax amongst others in a joint meeting yesterday.
The outcome of the meeting was read and signed by the Chairman, His Excellency, Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya on behalf of the forum.
Among the items discussed in the forum, the tax placed on each level of production and distribution of certain commodities (VAT) and its ammendment was deliberated upon.The tax reform bill that was forwarded to the National assembly was frowned upon by the forum.They unanimously rejected the bill and informed the National assembly to oppose any bill that may mar the well being of the people.
The statement reads:
“Forum notes with dismay the content of the recent Tax Reform Bill that was forwarded to the National Assembly. The contents of the Blare against the interests of the North and other sub-nationals especially the proposed amendment to the distribution of Value Added Tax (VAT) to a Derivation-based Model.
“This is because companies remit VAT using the location of their headquarters and tax office and not where the services and goods are consumed. In view of the foregoing, the Forum unanimously rejects the proposed Tax Amendments and calls on members of the National Assembly to oppose any bill that can jeopardise the well-being of our people.”
Furthermore, the forum advised citizens based on the economic hardship affecting the Country. The Forum appeals to all citizens to remain calm, as the states and Federal Government are working hard to implement measures that will cushion the effects of the hardship.
