Northern Christian leaders have declared their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tax reform initiative, urging followers to gain a deeper understanding of its benefits for the region and Nigeria at large.
This resolution was made during a town hall meeting organized by the Christian Awareness Initiative of Nigeria (CHAIN) in Kaduna, themed “The Church and Society: Tax Reforms and Matters Arising.”
Speaking at the event, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, delivered a scathing critique of Northern leadership, accusing them of neglecting the region’s development despite decades of political dominance.
Dogara emphasized the importance of understanding the proposed tax reform, calling for honest discourse on the issues facing the North.
“Our problem in the North is not about VAT allocations or political appointments,” Dogara stated. “The North has controlled the presidency for over 40 years, with key positions in the Senate, House of Representatives, and NNPC, yet the region remains underdeveloped.”
He pointed out that much of the North’s allocated resources are mismanaged, highlighting that funds meant for hospitals, schools, and infrastructure often end up squandered or spent abroad.
“Instead of addressing our challenges, many of our leaders prioritize personal gain. If this continues, no amount of leadership or resources will change our circumstances,” Dogara warned.
Dogara defended the tax reform as a crucial step for economic growth, explaining that it aims to simplify Nigeria’s 11 existing tax laws into just two, making the system more investor-friendly.
“Every investor considers tax policies before committing funds. A simplified system will attract investments, expand opportunities, and boost our economy,” he said.
Rev. Joseph John Hayab, CHAIN’s Executive Director, called on Christian leaders to embrace knowledge and guide their communities on critical national issues like tax reform.
Quoting Hosea 4:6, Hayab said, “My people perish for lack of knowledge.” He urged leaders to avoid religious or ethnic sentiments in assessing the reform, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue and collaboration.
“The tax reform bill holds many prospects for Nigeria. While some areas require adjustments, it is critical to support reforms that can move our nation forward,” Hayab added.
The event was attended by key figures, including Mr. Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to the President (represented by Mr. Simon Achuba), Elder Sunday Oibe of Northern CAN, Archbishop Praise, Archbishop Mathew Ndagoso, and other Christian leaders from across the Northern states.
The leaders collectively stressed the importance of unity and accountability in tackling the North’s challenges, urging citizens to prioritize national development over divisive rhetoric.
As Nigeria navigates its path to reform, the role of faith-based organizations in fostering understanding and accountability remains vital. The message from Kaduna was clear: true progress will only come when the North confronts its internal challenges and collaborates for the nation’s advancement.
