Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South in Nigeria’s National Assembly, has urged the Federal Government to reconsider its approach to tax reforms, warning against any increase that would impact struggling Nigerians.
During an interview on ARISE Television’s Prime Time program, Ndume emphasized the importance of focusing on wealthier individuals and corporations, rather than the lower-income population, who he believes would suffer under additional tax burdens.
Ndume expressed deep concern over the challenges facing the average Nigerian. In his view, the middle class—a crucial economic sector—is rapidly disappearing, leaving most citizens in either very poor or relatively affluent financial categories.
Ndume said, “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. If Nigerians can pay for those taxes, it is okay. But in the current situation, increasing taxes is not an alternative at all. I will not support any increase in taxes.
“Let us get things right first. Let people start living and not surviving. Let people have extra income.
“The North has more poverty, so if you want to increase taxes again, let’s be considerate. Tax those people who can afford it. Those who can afford the taxes in Nigeria are not even paying for them.
“I’m going to start campaigning against the increase in tax for now because it doesn’t only affect the northerners, it affects the average Nigeria. I’m not saying people should not pay tax, but don’t tax people that are barely surviving. Let the tax authority concentrate on those that are supposed to pay tax.”
