The tax reform bills introduced by President Bola Tinubu face strong opposition from within his own party, as Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South has labeled them “dead on arrival” in the National Assembly.
Ndume, who is a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and a key figure in the Senate, made this statement during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Tuesday.
He did not mince words, making it clear that Nigerians are against any increase in taxes, especially given the current economic hardships they are enduring.
“Our people are saying they don’t want the VAT bill; they don’t even want to hear about it,” Ndume said.
“That is why we are going to make it dead on arrival.”
The Senator urged President Tinubu to reconsider the bills, pointing out that the President should listen to advice from the National Economic Council (NEC) and the Northern Governors’ Forum.
He argued that the economic situation in Nigeria is too fragile for additional tax burdens, stating that Nigerians “are willing to pay taxes but only when they can afford it.”
Ndume explained that many people are struggling just to make ends meet and questioned the timing of the proposed reforms.
“Let people live first before you start asking them for taxes,” he said.
He added that shutting down the bill was the “fairest thing to do,” and that he has already begun gathering support from other lawmakers to reject the bills.
Despite being a senior member of the APC, Ndume has not shied away from criticizing Tinubu’s administration over the proposed tax hikes.
He argued that instead of raising taxes, the government should focus on reducing its own expenses and improving efficiency.
“What he [Tinubu] needs to do is to withdraw the bill, educate Nigerians, and make us understand it. We are representing the people, and they have already made their stance clear,” Ndume stated firmly.
According to him, governors, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders have already expressed their disapproval of the bills, which include controversial measures like the Value Added Tax (VAT) increase.
“The governors and traditional rulers have said that the bill is not good. So, the best course of action is to withdraw it immediately,” he added.
Currently, the tax reform bills in the National Assembly are facing growing criticism from multiple quarters.
Recently, the 36 state governors urged President Tinubu to withdraw the bills, emphasizing that such tax increases would only worsen the financial burden on Nigerians.
However, President Tinubu has stood his ground, indicating that he will not withdraw the bills but is open to “inputs and necessary changes” from lawmakers.
These tax reforms, according to the President, are part of his administration’s economic strategy to improve revenue generation and reduce the nation’s dependence on oil revenue.
Supporters of the reform argue that Nigeria’s current tax-to-GDP ratio is one of the lowest globally, making it difficult for the government to fund critical infrastructure projects.
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), led by Zaccheus Adedeji, has also supported the tax reforms, stating that an increase in VAT and other tax measures would drive economic growth.
However, Ndume and his allies argue that the timing is wrong, especially as many Nigerians are already facing high inflation and rising costs of living due to subsidy removals and other recent economic policies.
The senator, in his remarks, reminded the administration of its responsibility to prioritize the well-being of its citizens.
“It is our duty as lawmakers to listen to the people, and right now, they are saying they cannot handle more taxes,” he emphasized.
With the bills stirring considerable opposition, some analysts have pointed out that this clash highlights a growing divide between the Tinubu administration and some lawmakers within the APC.
Ndume’s outspoken stance has garnered support from constituents and political observers who believe that the tax reform bills do not adequately address the immediate needs of ordinary Nigerians.
“The people who elected us expect us to stand up for their interests, and we will not disappoint them,” Ndume said, pledging to oppose the reforms with all the resources at his disposal.
He further stated that Nigeria’s economy needs healing, not more pressure from taxes that would affect the middle and lower-income populations.
The public debate over Tinubu’s tax reforms is set to intensify, with the President likely facing additional resistance from the National Assembly.
Many lawmakers, particularly those from regions affected by insecurity and economic hardships, share Ndume’s concerns and may be hesitant to support any policies that could be seen as adding to the people’s financial burdens.
