By Adenike Lawal
Former Senate Chief Whip, Senator Ali Ndume, has called on the Federal Government (FG), to withdraw the proposed tax reform bills under consideration in the National Assembly, citing the economic hardship faced by Nigerians.
He warned that implementing these measures now could worsen the financial burden on citizens.
Ndume emphasized the need for extensive consultations with stakeholders, including state and local governments and the private sector, before introducing new tax laws.
He urged the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), to focus on expanding its tax base and improving collection efficiency while ensuring accountability and transparency in tax administration.
The senator also called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to scrutinize commercial banks, advocating for higher taxes from those with substantial annual profits.
He urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to prioritize governance reforms over tax reforms.
“The North is not, and will never be, a burden to Nigeria. We are assets, not liabilities.
“These tax reforms are not just against the North but all low- and middle-income Nigerians,” Ndume stated, dismissing claims of regional bias in the proposed reforms.
The bills include plans to establish a Joint Revenue Board, a Tax Appeal Tribunal, and an Office of the Tax Ombudsman as part of Tinubu’s tax reform agenda.
Ndume, who represents Borno South, stressed the interdependence of Nigeria’s regions and cautioned against framing the reforms as disproportionately affecting the North.
He criticized the bills’ timing, their impact on revenue sharing, and the lack of consensus among Nigerians.
Ndume highlighted the country’s heavy budget allocations for personnel costs and debt servicing, advocating for comprehensive governance reforms to optimize resources for public benefit.
