The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sharply criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, claiming it is placing tax revenue generation above the welfare of ordinary Nigerians as the federal government prepares to implement controversial new tax laws on 1 January 2026. The opposition’s comments come amid widespread public concern over alleged discrepancies in the version of the tax act that was gazetted compared with what was passed by the National Assembly.
In a statement issued by PDP National Publicity Secretary Comrade Ini Ememobong, the party argued that advancing the tax reforms which critics say contain “dangerous provisions” not approved by lawmakers at the expense of addressing Nigerians’ livelihood challenges reflects the government’s misplaced priorities. The PDP cited the contentious removal of fuel subsidy and other economic pressures as examples of policies that have had negative impacts on citizens’ day-to-day lives.
The opposition party renewed calls for the suspension of the tax law’s implementation pending a thorough investigation into how the discrepancies arose, warning that moving forward without clarity would further erode public trust in the legislative and governance process. It also reminded the president that his mandate is derived from the electorate and therefore his first duty should be protecting Nigerians’ welfare rather than focusing narrowly on revenue targets.
The federal government and the presidency have defended the reforms as essential for strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal architecture and improving revenue mobilisation, maintaining that the new laws are in the country’s long-term economic interest.
