Senator Ali Ndume has voiced strong opposition to the tax reform bills under review by the National Assembly, expressing concerns about the urgency with which the Presidency and certain lawmakers are advancing them.
He described the rapid push as suspicious and called for a more thoughtful process.
The tax reform bills, sent to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu on October 3, advanced to their second reading in the Senate on Thursday, November 28. The proposed laws aim to streamline Nigeria’s revenue administration by establishing a Joint Revenue Board, a Tax Appeal Tribunal, and an Office of the Tax Ombud.
During an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ndume, representing Borno South, urged the Presidency to heed the advice of the National Economic Council (NEC) to withdraw the bills and allow for wider consultations.
“It is not that I am totally saying that we should throw away the baby with the bath water, but since the governors who are our leaders, the National Economic Council, and many individuals have said we should withdraw the bill, do more consultations, and then bring it again. Why are they in a hurry? That is a big suspicion,” Ndume said.
He compared the current situation to the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which he noted underwent years of deliberation and consultation before its eventual passage. The PIB, first introduced during Ndume’s time in the House of Representatives, only became law years later after he had moved to the Senate.
Ndume criticized the timing of the tax reform bills, arguing that it is inappropriate to introduce such measures when Nigerians are facing economic hardship.
“I disagree with the timing because Nigerians are struggling to survive. Our forefathers were paying taxes; in the North, we pay taxes. So, it is not like we are running away from tax… but the timing is wrong,” he stated.
He suggested the bills should be introduced when citizens are financially stable rather than struggling. Comparing the reforms to an unfair transaction, he said, “It’s like giving someone something with a right hand and taking it back with the left hand.”
Ndume dismissed allegations that his stance was meant to undermine President Tinubu, asserting that his opposition was intended to prevent the administration from failing.
Despite his objections, the Senate approved the bills for a second reading through a voice vote on Thursday.
These tax reforms are part of President Tinubu’s broader agenda to harmonize revenue collection and resolve taxation disputes across Nigeria. Ndume, however, maintained that the Presidency’s rush to implement the reforms raises concerns.
Reflecting on the PIB’s long journey to becoming law, Ndume argued that tax reforms, similarly significant, should undergo extensive debate and public engagement. “Why can’t we follow the same approach? Rushing this is unnecessary and creates suspicion,” he said.
The senator emphasized that reforms affecting citizens’ finances must prioritize their well-being. “When people are barely surviving, how can we justify introducing new taxes? Let us wait until the situation improves,” he advised.
Ndume reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen governance but stressed the need for caution and comprehensive stakeholder input before advancing these bills.
