By Gift ChapiOdekina, Abuja

A group identifying itself as the Concerned Northern Elders has distanced itself from recent statements attributed to the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) regarding the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), expressing support for the agency’s ongoing reforms and the economic agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by Mr. Nasir Manguno, the group said its intervention was aimed at clarifying its position and ensuring that public discourse reflects what it described as the broader developmental interests of Northern Nigeria.

The elders said the views attributed to the NEF on the FIRS and its leadership did not, in their opinion, represent the collective outlook of many stakeholders in the region. They noted that opinions on national reforms often vary and stressed the importance of constructive engagement on economic policy matters.

According to the statement, the Concerned Northern Elders expressed satisfaction with the performance of the FIRS under its current leadership, citing improvements in revenue mobilisation, increased focus on non-oil revenue and the deployment of technology to enhance efficiency and transparency in tax administration.

The group said it believes these efforts are important to strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal base and supporting sustainable development. It added that effective revenue collection, when fairly applied, is critical to funding public services and infrastructure across the country, including in the North.

On President Tinubu’s economic reforms, the elders acknowledged that the administration inherited significant fiscal and structural challenges. They said the ongoing reforms, though demanding, are intended to stabilise the economy and place it on a more sustainable footing.

The statement also welcomed initiatives by the FIRS to improve collaboration with other government agencies through memoranda of understanding aimed at harmonising data systems and reducing inefficiencies. According to the group, such measures can help improve governance outcomes and accountability.

The elders emphasised that the region’s key priorities include economic growth, job creation, infrastructure development, education and institutional accountability. They noted that achieving these goals requires strong public institutions and policies that promote fairness and efficiency.

The group concluded by reiterating its support for reforms it considers beneficial to national development, urging continued dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders to ensure that policy debates contribute positively to Nigeria’s progress.