Ali Ndume, the former Senate Leader representing Borno South, recently emphasized that the North is not a parasitic region in Nigeria’s economic landscape. He asserted that all regions are interdependent and rely on each other for survival, rejecting claims that the North is solely dependent on other areas.
In his remarks, Ndume criticized the proposed tax reforms, arguing that they could exacerbate the economic difficulties faced by Nigerians if implemented without proper consultation. He called for a withdrawal of the Tax Reforms Bills for broader discussions involving key stakeholders, including state and local governments.
He also stressed the need for the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to improve tax collection efficiency and broaden the tax base, particularly urging commercial banks to contribute fairly, given their significant profits.
Furthermore, Ndume raised concerns about President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform package, suggesting that these reforms should be accompanied by comprehensive governance reforms to address fiscal challenges. He pointed out the disproportionate allocation of budget resources to personnel and overhead costs, advocating for holistic reform across all government sectors.
Overall, Ndume’s statements call for prudent governance, accountability, and a focus on inclusive consultations in the legislative process.
