The recently communique issued by Northern governors, Emirs, and Chiefs in response to the federal government’s proposed Tax Amendment Bill raises crucial questions about the priorities and responsibilities of Northern leaders.
The leaders’ concerns regarding the amendment’s implications for the Value Added Tax (VAT) derivation model are well-noted, as is their commitment to ensuring fairness across the regions. However, as stakeholders, it is pertinent to ask whether equal energy is being directed towards resolving the more pressing challenges of insecurity, food scarcity, and economic hardship within the Northern region.
This piece addresses these points in hopes of encouraging unified action where it’s needed most.
1. A Consistent, Coordinated Response to Insecurity.
While the Northern Governors’ Forum has commended recent security efforts and expressed commitment to restoring peace, questions remain on the depth and frequency of coordinated plans between leaders to directly tackle the enduring issues of banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism plaguing the region.
How often have these leaders issued joint communiques or demonstrated unified action plans that directly address the state of insecurity in Northern Nigeria?
The region’s stability demands a holistic and proactive approach, beyond statements of empathy or reliance on federal interventions. It is essential that Northern leaders come together regularly to formulate and implement community-centered and intelligence-driven solutions to secure lives, encourage investment, and restore a sense of safety across the region.
This would not only strengthen public confidence but also signal a shared commitment to addressing these critical issues that continue to hinder the North’s development and prosperity.
2. Realizing the Agricultural Potential of the North to Alleviate Food Insecurity.
The North holds an undeniable potential as Nigeria’s agricultural powerhouse, with vast arable land, water resources, and a large workforce capable of driving an agricultural revolution. Yet, food insecurity persists within the region, and efforts to catalyze an agricultural transformation remain largely uncoordinated or underfunded.
Northern leaders have the unique opportunity to collectively create policies that empower farmers with access to modern techniques, funding, and critical infrastructure, including irrigation systems and roads.
By pooling resources and lobbying for targeted federal support, Northern leaders could revitalize agriculture and address food insecurity head-on, enhancing economic stability and job creation for the youth.
In light of the VAT amendment opposition, one must ask: what measures have been implemented to boost food security for the North’s millions of residents, and how could a more collaborative effort better serve the people’s immediate needs?
3. Addressing Economic Hardship with the Same Unified Force.
The economic challenges affecting the Northern region call for the same unified stance that has been displayed in opposition to the VAT derivation formula. Inflation, unemployment, and infrastructure deficits are pushing more Northern citizens into poverty, with youth reactiveness on the rise as a consequence of limited opportunities.
Why can’t Northern governors and leaders rally together to address the economic challenges facing the region, as they have in issuing statements on tax policy?
A coordinated approach toward alleviating the region’s economic distress, including supporting skills development, education, and job creation programs, could mitigate the hardships that affect millions. Beyond issuing statements of concern, concrete steps to invest in the people’s well-being are essential.
4. Ensuring Claims on the VAT Derivation Formula Are Evidence-Based
If the proposed amendment to the VAT distribution truly disadvantages the Northern region, it’s crucial for leaders to provide data-backed evidence that substantiates their claims.
The statement in the communique that the VAT reform “blare[s] against the interests of the North and other sub-nationals” would hold more weight if supported by reliable statistics demonstrating the projected financial impacts on Northern states under the proposed VAT amendment.
Relying on data would lend credibility to these concerns, making them more actionable and resonant at both regional and national levels.
Conclusion
Northern leaders have an unprecedented opportunity to harness their influence and unity to address the critical issues of insecurity, food security, and economic hardship that plague the region. By working together on these fronts with the same vigor displayed in their response to the VAT amendment, they could significantly improve the lives of their people and foster sustainable development across the North.
The future of the Northern region rests on proactive, data-driven policies and a commitment to the well-being of the people. This is a crucial time for leadership that goes beyond policy statements to deliver measurable results that can be felt across generations.
Alh. Dr. Muniru Haruna FCA.
(Barden Duda).