Northern youths have openly rejected the newly signed tax reform laws approved by President Bola Tinubu, raising serious concerns over alleged alterations in the final version released to the public.
The youths say the laws now in circulation do not reflect what was debated and passed by the National Assembly.
The rejection is coming from the Arewa Youth Assembly, which described the situation as troubling and dangerous for Nigeria’s democratic process.
It warned that the controversy surrounding the tax laws could trigger political backlash if urgent steps are not taken.
Speaking in Kaduna on Sunday, the Speaker of the Assembly, Mohammed Salihu-Danlami, said the group’s decision followed careful review of the gazetted laws.
According to him, there are noticeable differences between the version approved by lawmakers and the one presented to Nigerians.
Danlami described the development as “governance by ambush,” insisting that laws passed by elected representatives must not be altered behind closed doors.
He warned that such actions undermine democracy and weaken public trust in government institutions.
He said, “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.”
The tax reform laws, which are expected to take effect from January 1, 2026, have been described by the Federal Government as a major overhaul of Nigeria’s tax system.
The reforms are aimed at streamlining tax collection, expanding the tax base, removing multiple taxation, and modernising revenue administration across all levels of government.
Despite these objectives, the bills faced resistance during deliberations at the National Assembly, with several northern lawmakers raising concerns over potential economic impact and regional fairness.
The controversy deepened after a member of the House of Representatives, Abdussamad Dasuki, alleged that some provisions contained in the final gazetted laws were never discussed or approved by lawmakers during legislative proceedings.
The Presidency has since dismissed claims of secret alterations, maintaining that the laws will be implemented as planned. It also insisted that opposition from any group will not derail the reforms.
However, criticism has continued to grow. Prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, have called for the suspension of the tax laws until the discrepancies are clarified.
Danlami said the alleged changes go beyond minor errors, warning that they amount to a constitutional breach. He described the situation as executive overreach and said it could set a dangerous precedent.
He stated, “Reports confirm that the National Assembly approved a framework after deliberation and amendment. The gazetted version allegedly contains provisions never sanctioned by the legislature. This is not a clerical error; it is a constitutional crisis.”
The Arewa Youth Assembly said it would resist any tax policy imposed without transparency, especially at a time when many Nigerians are battling rising inflation, insecurity, unemployment, and worsening economic hardship.
Danlami stressed that northern Nigeria remains one of the most economically vulnerable regions in the country and warned that policies perceived as unfair or illegitimate would only deepen public frustration.
“Northern Nigeria already struggles with poverty, unemployment and systemic neglect. Any tax policy that deepens this distress without legitimacy amounts to economic hostility,” he added.
The group called on civil society organisations, labour unions, legal practitioners, and lawmakers to intervene and protect constitutional order. It warned that the way the issue is handled could shape voter behaviour in future elections.
Danlami also directed the Assembly’s structures at zonal, state, local government, and ward levels to remain alert, hinting at possible mobilisation if their concerns are ignored.