Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, stated that the tax reform bills submitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu have no chance of passing.
Ndume called on the President to heed advice from the National Economic Council (NEC) and the Northern Governors’ Forum by promptly withdrawing the tax reform bills.
Speaking on Channels Television’s politics on Tuesday, 5/11/2024, he emphasized that the Federal Government should focus on easing the tax burden on Nigerians, rather than raising it.
“If things continue this way, I can assure you the bills will be dead on arrival,” Ndume stated. “We don’t need to examine the bills right now. Let people have a chance to live before imposing taxes.”
He explained, “Nigerians are generally not open to discussing or paying taxes at this time, given the current economic challenges.
While Nigerians are willing to pay taxes, they can only do so when it’s affordable. At the moment, people are just trying to survive. Let them live first before demanding taxes.”
Nume argued that the Tinubu administration should focus on reforming itself instead of raising taxes on Nigerians.
The tax reform bills sent to the National Assembly have been met with strong criticism, with all 36 state governors urging the President to withdraw them.
However, the President has maintained that the bills will not be withdrawn, though legislatures are welcome to make necessary adjustments and contributions.
