Former Senate Leader Ali Ndume has sharply criticised Nigeria’s newly implemented tax regime, describing it as fundamentally flawed and calling on the National Assembly to revisit key provisions to protect ordinary Nigerians. Ndume also singled out Senate President Godswill Akpabio in his comments, asserting that legislative leadership must do more to shield citizens from what he said are inequitable tax burdens.
The criticism comes amid early feedback following the roll‑out of the updated tax framework, which was introduced as part of broader fiscal reforms aimed at simplifying the tax system, improving compliance and boosting government revenue. While the government says the changes will grow the tax base and make the system fairer, public reactions have been mixed, with some economists and stakeholders welcoming parts of the reform and others warning about potential negative impacts on take‑home pay and business costs.
Ndume argued that certain components of the regime including adjustments to Pay As You Earn (PAYE) brackets and exemptions risk raising the tax burden on some workers while failing to sufficiently relieve low‑income earners. He maintained that the Senate, as a key player in reviewing and amending fiscal legislation, bears responsibility for ensuring that major tax statutes are equitable and in the public interest.
In addressing Akpabio’s leadership role, Ndume called for more robust legislative oversight, saying strategic adjustments and clarifications are needed before the regime takes full effect in annual fiscal calendars. The former senator emphasised that legislative engagement should extend beyond approval to careful refinement of tax laws that directly impact households and employers nationwide.
Observers say the debate reflects wider tensions between government objectives to expand fiscal capacity and public concern about cost‑of‑living pressures, especially as Nigeria’s economy navigates inflation, unemployment and currency fluctuations. With the 2027 general elections approaching, public scrutiny of fiscal policy and legislative responsiveness is expected to intensify.
Ndume’s intervention signals that the tax reform, already a major talking point among citizens and business leaders, may face continued advocacy, scrutiny and possible legislative refinement as stakeholders push for outcomes that balance revenue needs with economic fairness.
