Group Calls for Suspension of Tinubu’s New Tax Law
The National Opposition Movement (NOM) has called on the Federal Government to immediately suspend the implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s newly proposed tax law, describing it as punitive, exploitative, and harmful to the livelihood of ordinary Nigerians.
The call was made on Wednesday during a press conference held at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, where the group warned that the proposed tax regime could worsen poverty, deepen inequality, and heighten social tension across the country.
Addressing journalists, NOM said Nigeria was already facing what it described as a “multidimensional crisis,” marked by worsening insecurity, rising poverty, homelessness, food scarcity, and declining living standards. The group argued that introducing an aggressive tax policy at such a time would further strain citizens and small businesses already struggling under harsh economic conditions.
According to NOM, the proposed tax law requires all adults of taxable age—whether employed or unemployed—to file tax returns between January 1 and March 31, 2026, with penalties for non-compliance. It also mandates business owners to file tax returns for all employees, including those earning below the taxable threshold.
The group described the policy as unrealistic in a country with high unemployment, limited internet access, and weak institutional service delivery, warning that it could turn taxation into what it termed an “exploitative racket” against vulnerable citizens.
NOM further alleged that under the new tax plan, Nigerians earning below the minimum wage would face increased tax burdens despite the removal of subsidies, rising electricity tariffs, high transport costs, and soaring food prices.
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The opposition movement insisted that the proposed policy does not qualify as tax reform, arguing instead that it amounts to an “assault on the economic wellbeing and social security of Nigerians.”
While acknowledging ongoing opposition from organised labour, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), NOM said it aligns with efforts to resist policies that it believes are contributing to widespread impoverishment.
The group also raised concerns over transparency and accountability within government revenue agencies, alleging widespread corruption and secrecy. It questioned the decision of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to enter into a memorandum of understanding with a French agency on tax administration without public disclosure.
NOM argued that citizens should not be subjected to higher taxes without corresponding improvements in public services such as healthcare, education, security, and job creation.
As part of its demands, the opposition movement called for the immediate suspension of the tax law’s implementation, nationwide consultations involving labour unions, civil society groups, professionals, small and medium-sized enterprises, and state governments, as well as clear social protection guarantees tied to any tax reform.
Other demands include a shift toward taxing luxury consumption, excess profits, monopolies, and corruption, rather than low-income earners, alongside stronger legal safeguards to protect taxpayer rights.
“Nigeria does not suffer from low taxation,” the group stated. “It suffers from waste, corruption, mismanagement, and policy arrogance.”
The movement warned that forcing the tax plan through without consultation could lead to serious social and economic consequences, stressing that Nigerians were already under severe economic pressure.
NOM concluded by urging the Federal Government to halt what it described as provocative policies and allow room for dialogue, accountability, and relief for citizens, saying Nigerians “cannot be taxed into prosperity.”
By PRNigeria
