The lawmaker representing Borno South in the Senate, Ali Ndume has stated that the proposed tax reform bill of President Bola Tinubu is "dead on arrival".
He stated that it was widely opposed by Northern leaders.
Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Tuesday, November 5, Ndume emphasized that Northern leaders are united in their stance against the bill, which they view as detrimental to the region.
“Our people are saying they 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," Ndume asserted. He urged President Tinubu to heed the advice of the National Economic Council (NEC) and the Northern Governors’ Forum, and "withdraw the bills immediately."
According to Ndume, President Tinubu’s administration should focus on reforming governance rather than introducing additional taxes, especially during a time when many Nigerians are struggling to make ends meet. “Nigerians are willing to pay taxes but only when they can afford it. Right now, people are struggling to survive. Let people live first before you start asking them for taxes,” he argued.
The senator further suggested that the bill should be withdrawn so that leaders could better educate citizens on its implications. He shared that he has already started rallying support among his colleagues to reject the bill and that traditional rulers and governors from the North have openly criticized the proposal.
“What he needs to do is to withdraw the bill. Then go back to our people, educate, and make us understand. We are representing the people, and they have already made their stance clear," Ndume stated. “The governors and traditional rulers have said that the bill is not good. So, the best course of action is to withdraw it immediately.”