Tinubu’s tax reform bills dead on arrival, says Ndume

The lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Ali Ndume, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills, stating they are “dead on arrival”.

His remarks come amid widespread opposition to the proposed increases in Value Added Tax and other tax measures.

Ndume, who spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Tuesday, expressed the strong sentiment among Nigerians against new tax initiatives, particularly in light of the ongoing economic challenges facing the nation.

“The governors and traditional rulers have said that the bill is not good. So, the best course of action is to withdraw it immediately.

“Right now, our people don’t want the VAT bill; they don’t even want to hear about it. That is why we are going to make it dead on arrival,” he stated.

Ndume also highlighted that while Nigerians are willing to pay taxes, they must first be able to afford to do so.

“People are struggling to survive. Let people live first before you start asking them for taxes,” he said.

Ndume noted that he has begun rallying support among his colleagues to reject the tax proposals.

He called for a focus on self-reform within the government rather than imposing additional financial burdens on citizens.

Despite mounting opposition, President Tinubu has stated that he will not withdraw the tax reform bills but remains open to legislative inputs and necessary changes.

The proposals have faced substantial criticism, with all 36 state governors urging the President to reconsider.

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