Arewa Youth Assembly, a group representing Northern youths in Nigeria, has expressed concern over the newly enacted tax reform laws signed into effect by President Bola Tinubu. The laws, which aim to overhaul Nigeria’s tax system, have been described as “governance by ambush” due to discrepancies between the versions passed by the National Assembly and those presented to the public.
According to Mohammed Salihu-Danlami, Speaker of the Arewa Youth Assembly, the group’s rejection of the laws is based on disturbing differences between the approved legislation and the versions released to the public. This, they argue, undermines the democratic process, as the laws presented to the public may not reflect the collective will of the people. The group cautions that this controversy could have serious political consequences if left unaddressed.
The tax reform laws, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, have been touted by the Federal Government as the most comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s tax system in decades. The reforms aim to improve the country’s tax framework, but the controversy surrounding the laws’ enactment has raised concerns about transparency and accountability in the legislative process.
The Arewa Youth Assembly’s statement highlights the importance of ensuring that legislation is a true representation of the will of the people, as elected representatives are tasked with making laws on their behalf. The group’s concerns are rooted in the principle that legislation should be a public document, subject to scrutiny and debate, rather than a private document that can be altered without public knowledge.
As the controversy surrounding the tax reform laws continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the Nigerian government will address the concerns raised by the Arewa Youth Assembly and other stakeholders. The outcome of this situation will have significant implications for the country’s tax system, democratic process, and the relationship between the government and its citizens.
