Concerned Northern Elders Disown NEF, Endorse Tinubu’s Tax Reforms

The Concerned Northern Elders said a recent criticism of the Federal Inland Revenue Service and its Executive Chairman by a northern group misrepresents the region’s aspirations and amounts to opposition for political rather than principled reasons.

The Concerned Northern Elders challenged the Northern Elders Forum’s authority to speak for the region on economic policy.

In a statement signed by Dr Nasir Manguno, the group said it felt compelled to speak out “in the interest of truth, responsibility and historical accountability,” warning that silence would amount to complicity.

The elders stated that the NEF’s opposition to the FIRS, its Executive Chairman, and President Bola Tinubu’s economic reform agenda “neither reflects the collective conscience of Northern elders nor aligns with the progressive expectations of the region.”

The group accused the NEF of losing its moral authority, claiming it has transformed from “a forum of wisdom into a platform for political grievances and sponsored opposition narratives.” They insisted that elder statesmanship must be rooted in “integrity, foresight and national interest, not nostalgia for failed systems or entitlement to privilege.”

It commended the FIRS chairman for consistent over-performance of revenue targets, strengthened non-oil revenue mobilization, and deployment of technology to block historic leakages.

The group noted that renewed emphasis on fairness and accountability has ensured that “influence no longer guarantees exemption from taxation.”

The elders stressed these achievements are verifiable and represent what Nigeria can accomplish “when competence replaces complacency,” arguing that opposition to such reforms comes from those unsettled by efficiency and transparency.

On President Tinubu’s economic reforms, the group acknowledged the administration inherited an economy weakened by subsidy dependency and selective compliance. They commended Tinubu for pursuing reforms that are “difficult but necessary for national recovery.”

The elders maintained that revenue reform is “not punitive but central to nation-building,” insisting that no country develops by shielding elites from responsibility while burdening the poor.

The group expressed concern that renewed criticism of FIRS coincides with political recalibration by opposition interests seeking to weaponize the North against reform. They warned the region would not allow itself to be used for partisan objectives.

It emphasized that the North’s priorities include job creation, infrastructure development, education and accountability as well as strong institutions, fair taxation and fearless leadership.