Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South in the National Assembly, has voiced strong opposition to the Federal Government’s plans to increase the country’s tax regime. During a statement made in Abuja on Wednesday, Ndume urged the government to focus on improving the economic situation for Nigerians before considering any tax hikes.
Ndume emphasized the urgent need for the government to “get things right first” and expand income sources for the citizens. He stated, “Let people start living and not survive. Let people have extra income, and then you can tax them.” His comments highlight the challenges facing many Nigerians amid rising inflation and economic difficulties.
The senator warned that the middle class in Nigeria is on the verge of extinction due to financial pressures. “This tax they’re talking about, we are almost losing the middle class in Nigeria. It is either you have it or you do not have it. Those that are in the middle are being squeezed out,” Ndume lamented.
He firmly declared, “Increasing taxes is not an alternative at all. I will not support any increase in tax.” Ndume compared the situation to a health analogy, stating, “Allow Nigerians to have enough blood in their body before you start asking for donation,” stressing that citizens should have the means to live comfortably before facing tax increases.
The senator also accused the economic managers of attempting to undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reputation by proposing such tax increases. He called on key figures, including Minister of Finance Wale Edun and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), to refrain from misleading the president.
Addressing the high levels of poverty in northern Nigeria, Ndume remarked, “The poverty is too much in the north. So, you want to increase taxes again? Tax those people who can afford it.” He pointed out that many wealthy individuals and corporations are not paying their fair share of taxes, stating, “These big companies do not even declare their income, not to talk of getting the appropriate taxes.”
Ndume reiterated his commitment to opposing any tax bill that would burden average Nigerians. “I am one of those opposing that tax bill in the National Assembly. I am not going to support it. In fact, I am going to start campaigning against the increase in tax for now,” he declared, highlighting the broad impact such measures would have on the population.
He further criticized the current tax system, pointing out that “you are paying somebody N70,000 as a minimum wage, and all of a sudden, the price of fuel went up to N1,000.” Ndume argued that this creates a paradox where the government appears to provide support while simultaneously imposing greater financial burdens on the citizens.
The senator concluded by urging tax authorities to focus on those who can afford to pay taxes rather than those struggling to make ends meet. He emphasized the need for a more equitable tax system, stating, “You need to start from somewhere that is acceptable,” and suggested exploring untapped tax sources, such as mobile phone users.
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