The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has taken a strong stance against the Federal Government’s proposed tax reforms, which have been met with widespread criticism from various affiliate member organizations. The NCSCN, a coordinating platform for over 600 civil society associations, NGOs, humanitarian foundations, and community development associations, has decided to confront the controversial tax reforms head-on.
According to Mazi Oscar David Kalu, Director of Programmes and Organization, the Council has been inundated with petitions and complaints from its affiliates, calling for civil protests to occupy all Federal Government establishments in order to express their displeasure over the unfriendly tax reforms.
The Council has scheduled a world press conference for Thursday to address the issue and make its position clear. This development comes on the heels of the Arewa Civil Society’s criticism of Northern Governors for opposing the tax reform bill, which they believe would disadvantage the North
This development comes amidst controversy surrounding the tax reform proposals, which have been criticized for being biased against the Northern region.
The proposals include a hike in Value-Added Tax (VAT) from 7.5% to 15% by 2030, as well as a change in the VAT distribution model that would benefit the South but disadvantage the North .
The NCSCN’s World Press Conference is expected to shed more light on the Council’s position on these proposals and its plan of action moving forward.