- Senator Ali Ndume strongly opposes President Tinubu’s tax reform bill, calling it “dead on arrival” and unfair to the northern region
- Ndume urges Tinubu to withdraw the bill, emphasizing that Nigerians are struggling and unable to bear additional financial burdens
Senator Ali Ndume strongly opposes President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bill, calling it “dead on arrival.” Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Ndume argued that the bill faces widespread rejection from Northern leaders who believe it unfairly targets the northern region.
According to Ndume, the focus should be on governance reform rather than imposing additional taxes. He urged President Tinubu to heed the advice of the Northern Governors’ Forum and withdraw the bill immediately.
“Our people don’t want the VAT bill or any new taxes right now,” Ndume stated. “That’s why we intend to make it dead on arrival. President Tinubu should listen to the National Economic Council and Northern Governors’ Forum and pull the bills back.”
Ndume emphasized that while Nigerians are generally willing to pay taxes, many are struggling and unable to bear additional financial burdens. “People are barely getting by. Let them live first before asking for more taxes,” he added.
He hinted that he is rallying fellow lawmakers to shut down the bill and emphasized that further education and dialogue are essential. “The people we represent have spoken, and they do not support this bill,” Ndume said. “The governors and traditional leaders agree it’s not beneficial. Withdrawing it is the right move.”