Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has urged Northern Nigerians to refrain from condemning President Bola Tinubu over his proposed tax reform bills, emphasizing that the initiatives are not anti-North.
Speaking at Channels TV’s Town Hall meeting on Monday, Dogara praised the proposed bills as a significant step forward and argued that they represent a bold vision that no Northern leader has pursued before. He cautioned against viewing the reforms negatively, urging his fellow Northerners to recognize the long-term benefits they could bring to the region.
“I want to talk to my brothers in the North; I don’t think this is the time for us to condemn the president on account of these bills being anti-North,” Dogara said. “The president has done something significant, and if he can push these reforms through, no Northern leader in my lifetime has done what he has done.”
Dogara also highlighted the creation of the Livestock Ministry, pointing to the global potential of the dairy industry. He explained that the global market for dairy products is projected to grow to $2.5 trillion over the next three years. He urged Northern Nigeria to capitalize on this opportunity, suggesting that by capturing just five percent of this market, the region could generate $250 billion, offering significant economic independence and growth.
“The North is the most endowed part of Nigeria. If we organize ourselves properly, we could thrive independently,” Dogara stated.
Dogara’s remarks come amid growing debate over the tax reform bills, which some critics in the North have expressed concerns about. However, the former Speaker’s comments reflect a strong belief in the potential of the reforms to benefit the region and the country as a whole.
