The Northern Youths Assembly has issued a warning to the National Assembly, urging them not to pass the Tax Reforms Bill submitted by the executive. In an open letter, signed by the group’s President, Dr. Ali Mohammed, and Secretary-General, Dr. Garba Abduljafiz, the group highlighted its concerns that passing the bill would harm the interests of the public, especially young people. They stressed that broader consultations should take place to ensure that such legislation is in the people’s best interest and called for the National Assembly to prioritize laws that support youth welfare and development.

The Assembly emphasized that young people are the cornerstone of Nigeria’s future, stating, “Our prosperity depends on investments in education, skills development, and job creation.” They argued that, as the nation’s largest demographic, young people should have input into policies that will directly shape the country’s future. The group proposed establishing a dedicated youth council at the national level to ensure young voices contribute to solutions focused on sustainable development, job creation, and economic empowerment.

Moreover, they urged the legislature to enact laws that create a favorable investment environment and focus on job creation, which would address the urgent needs of the Nigerian youth. They also cautioned against following the advice of international financial bodies, such as the IMF and World Bank, which they labeled “agents of destruction.” According to the Assembly, compliance with IMF and World Bank policies could harm Nigeria’s economy due to their often-misguided recommendations.

In conclusion, the group encouraged lawmakers to work on legislation that fosters foreign investment, skill-building, and job creation, thereby safeguarding economic opportunities and preventing policies that could stifle Nigeria’s potential. The Northern Youths Assembly hopes these changes will secure a prosperous future for Nigeria’s young population.