Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South at the National Assembly, has urged the Federal Government to avoid imposing additional taxes on Nigeria’s poor, suggesting instead that wealthier individuals and corporations be held accountable for tax contributions.
Speaking on ARISE Television’s Prime Time show, Ndume opposed tax increases as part of government reforms, arguing that such measures would disproportionately affect those already struggling.
Addressing the tax reform bills under consideration by the National Assembly, Ndume pointed out the deepening economic divide in Nigeria, noting that the country’s middle class is rapidly diminishing.
“We are almost losing the middle class in Nigeria. It is either you have it or you do not have it. Those in the middle are being squeezed out,” he said.
He argued that raising taxes under the current economic climate is not viable, citing the hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians.
“If Nigerians can pay for those taxes, it is okay. But in the current situation, increasing taxes is not an alternative at all. I will not support any increase in taxes,” Ndume stated.
The senator urged authorities to create conditions that allow citizens to thrive.
“Let us get things right first. Let people start living and not surviving. Let people have extra income,” he said, emphasizing sustainable financial policies.
Ndume also noted that northern Nigeria, his home region, faces more severe poverty rates, making tax increases even more burdensome for northerners.
“The North has more poverty, so if you want to increase taxes again, let’s be considerate. Tax those people who can afford it,” he said, arguing that many wealthy Nigerians evade taxes while those with limited resources bear the brunt.
The senator announced plans to campaign against tax increases, arguing they would worsen the financial strain on average Nigerians.
“It doesn’t only affect northerners; it affects the average Nigerian. I’m not saying people should not pay tax, but don’t tax people that are barely surviving. Let the tax authority concentrate on those that are supposed to pay tax,” he concluded.
