Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South in the National Assembly, has joined forces with Northern leaders to oppose the Federal Government’s proposal for an increase in the country’s tax regime.
In a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday, Ndume argued that the government must first rectify existing issues, broaden income sources for citizens, and focus on improving living conditions before considering tax hikes.
The former Senate Leader expressed concern that Nigeria’s middle class is rapidly disappearing due to soaring inflation. “The proposed tax increase threatens to eliminate the middle class in Nigeria. It’s becoming a matter of either having wealth or not,” he stated. “Those in the middle are being pushed out. If Nigerians could afford those taxes, it might be acceptable. However, raising taxes in the current climate is simply not an option for me.”
Ndume emphasized the need to prioritize economic stability, saying, “We must first ensure that people can live comfortably instead of merely surviving. Once individuals have extra income, only then should we consider tax implementation. It’s a matter of common sense: allow Nigerians to be healthy and thriving before asking for contributions.”
He accused economic managers of attempting to tarnish President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s image by proposing tax increases. Ndume urged Finance Minister Wale Edun and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to cease misleading the President.
Praising Tinubu’s de-dollarization efforts, Ndume lamented the pervasive poverty in the northern region, questioning the rationale behind additional taxes. “The situation is dire; proposing tax increases is misguided. Those who can afford to pay taxes often evade them. Large corporations frequently don’t declare their full income, let alone remit the proper taxes.”
“I stand firmly against the proposed tax bill in the National Assembly and intend to campaign actively against it because its impact extends beyond the North, affecting all Nigerians,” he declared. “While I believe in the necessity of taxes, it is unjust to burden those who are struggling to make ends meet. With a minimum wage of N70,000 and fuel prices soaring to N1,000, the arithmetic is clear: it’s like giving with one hand while taking with the other.”
Ndume suggested that tax authorities should target those who are genuinely capable of paying. “In Abuja, for instance, there are numerous properties that remain untaxed. Thankfully, Nyesom Wike is addressing this issue. Many banks are reaping substantial profits without paying their fair share of taxes, even as they collect transaction fees from customers.”
He stressed the need for a more equitable tax system, saying, “Efforts should start with those who can afford to contribute. At one point, I proposed a bill for taxing communication and phone users, but it did not progress. In Abuja, many lack access to mobile phones; those who do should certainly be able to contribute to taxes.”
