Taxation: Concerned Northern Elders support Tinubu’s reforms, reject NEF’s position on FIRS

*The Concerned Northern Elders’ Forum clarifies the position of the Northern Elders’ Forum on the Federal Inland Revenue Service, its Executive Chairman, and economic reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu neither reflects the collective conscience of Northern elders nor aligns with the progressive expectations of the region

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

In what they have described as a “calculated distortion” that amounts to complicity, the Concerned Northern Elders’ Forum has disowned and criticised recent statements credited to the Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) about the activities of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

The Concerned Northern Elders, who noted this in a statement Dr. Nasir Manguno issued Tuesday, December 16, 2025, described the NEF’s position as a misrepresentation of the true aspirations of the Northern Nigeria.

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The Forum said it was compelled to address all Nigerians in the interest of truth, responsibility and historical accountability, warning that silence in the face of what it described as calculated distortion would amount to complicity in this regard.

The Concerned Northern Elders’ also stated that the reported position of the NEF on the FIRS, the Executive Chairman of the Service, and the whole economic reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu neither reflects the collective conscience of Northern elders nor aligns with the progressive expectations of the region.

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The NEF, the elders noted, has lost its moral authority, and has gradually transformed from a forum of wisdom into what it described as a platform for political grievances and sponsored opposition narratives.

They insisted that leadership, and elder statesmanship must be rooted in integrity, foresight and national interest, not nostalgia for failed systems or entitlement to privilege.

The Concerned Northern Elders’ Forum, in the statement, hailed the performance of Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of FIRS.

According to them, under Adedeji’s leadership, the tax administration agency has recorded consistent over-performance of revenue targets, strengthened non-oil revenue mobilisation, and deployed technology and data-driven strategies to block historic leakages in the ecosystem.

The elders acknowledged the renewed emphasis on fairness and accountability has ensured that influence no longer guarantees exemption from taxation.

The Concerned Elders emphasised that these achievements are verifiable and represent what Nigeria can accomplish when competence replaces complacency.

The statement as well noted that the Concerned Elders contended that opposition to such far-reaching reforms is driven by those unsettled by efficiency and transparency in the country.

Concerned Elders’ position on Tinubu’s economic reforms

Commending on President Tinubu’s economic reforms, the Forum, affirmed the current administration inherited an economy weakened by subsidy dependency, secrecy, and selective compliance.

The group, therefore, commended the Nigerian leader for choosing courage over convenience by pursuing reforms.

They described the reforms as difficult but necessary for national recovery.

The statement indicated the elders maintained that revenue reform is not punitive but central to nation-building.

According to them, no country develops by shielding elites from responsibility or placing the burden of governance solely on the poor.

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The Concerned Northern Elders’ Forum expressed full support for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the FIRS and French agency to strengthen inter-agency collaboration, harmonise data systems and eliminate duplication.

Any policy framework that promotes transparency, strengthens institutions and enhances revenue efficiency is in the best interest of the North and Nigeria at large, the elders averred.

Addressing what it termed the politics of sabotage, the elders said the renewed criticism of FIRS coincided with political recalibration by opposition interests seeking to weaponise the North against reform.

The elders cautioned that the region would not allow itself to be used for partisan objectives.

The statement emphasised that the true priorities of the North include job creation, infrastructure development, education and accountability, rather than recycled rhetoric and inherited excuses.

The elders stressed these aspirations require strong institutions, fair taxation and fearless leadership.

The statement added the Concerned Northern Elders reaffirmed their support for the Executive Chairman of FIRS, President Tinubu’s economic reform agenda and public servants committed to national interest over elite comfort, stressing that history favours reformers and not obstructionists.

It stated: “The North is not against reform. The North is against failure, and it will not be dragged backward by voices sponsored to fear progress.”

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