Arewa Youths Reject Tax Laws Over ‘Governance by Ambush’

Northern youths, under the Arewa Youth Assembly, have rejected the newly enacted tax reform laws signed by President Bola Tinubu, alleging discrepancies between the version gazetted and the one passed by the National Assembly. The group describes this as “governance by ambush” and warns of potential serious political consequences if not addressed.

According to the Assembly’s Speaker, Mohammed Salihu-Danlami, the rejection stems from disturbing discrepancies between the laws approved by lawmakers and the versions presented to Nigerians. “If the law presented to the public is not the same law debated and passed by elected representatives, then democracy itself is being subverted. Legislation is not a private document; it is the collective will of the people,” Danlami said.

The tax reform laws, scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, aim to simplify tax compliance, expand the tax base, eliminate overlapping taxes, and modernise revenue collection. However, the laws faced opposition during consideration at the National Assembly, particularly from northern lawmakers.

A member of the House of Representatives, Abdussamad Dasuki, claimed certain provisions in the gazetted laws weren’t debated or approved by lawmakers, intensifying the controversy. The Presidency dismissed claims of secret alterations, insisting no opposition would stop implementation.

Critics, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, call for suspension pending clarification. Danlami warns of executive overreach and erosion of public trust, stating the alleged discrepancies aren’t minor errors but a constitutional issue.

The Arewa Youth Assembly opposes any tax regime imposed without transparency, citing economic hardship and insecurity in northern Nigeria. “Any tax policy that deepens distress without legitimacy amounts to economic hostility,” Danlami added, calling on civil society and labour unions to intervene.

The group warns the handling of tax laws will influence future political outcomes, directing its structures to remain on standby for further directives.