Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bill ‘Dead on Arrival’ – Sen. Ndume

Senator Ali Ndume has firmly declared President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bill as “dead on arrival,” citing widespread opposition from Northern leaders who view the bill as a burden on struggling Nigerians.

During an appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Ndume expressed the collective stance of Northern leaders against the tax bill, emphasizing it was not aligned with the interests of Northern communities. Ndume criticized the bill as a misplaced priority, arguing that the administration should focus on governance reforms rather than imposing additional taxes on citizens.

“Our people are saying they don’t want the VAT bill; they don’t even want to hear about it,” Ndume said. He urged President Tinubu to heed the recommendations of the Northern Governors’ Forum and the National Economic Council (NEC), calling for an immediate withdrawal of the bill.

Senator Ndume argued that while Nigerians are willing to contribute through taxes, current economic pressures have left them struggling to make ends meet. “Let people live first before you start asking them for taxes,” he asserted.

Ndume hinted at ongoing efforts to rally his colleagues in the Senate to shut down the bill, suggesting a broad base of support against it. He recommended that the administration take time to engage communities, educate citizens, and understand their concerns before attempting to push forward with such reforms.

“The governors and traditional rulers have spoken out against the bill. The best course of action is to withdraw it immediately,” he concluded.