The North can survive without billions generated from Southern states, says Northern Elders Forum

According to the Northern Elders Forum, Nigeria's northern region is wealthy and can support itself without relying on money generated by VAT in southern states.

Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, NEF Director of Publicity and Advocacy, revealed this during an interview on Arise TV's show on Tuesday, September 21.

He made the statement in response to a VAT bill passed by some Southern states, including Lagos and Rivers, that requires tax generated in the state to be paid to the state rather than to the federal government.

 In a ruling issued on September 10, the Court of Appeal halted the collection of VAT by Lagos and Rivers States pending the outcome of an appeal filed by the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

"We do recognize the fact that we need to change the way we generate wealth and allocate it in the north," he said.

This administration appears to be unaware of the importance of restructuring; we in the north do, and we recognize the need to change the way we generate wealth and distribute it.