Senator Ndume has expressed his disagreement with plans to raise taxes, supporting Northern leaders in their efforts to protect citizens from additional financial strain.
On Wednesday, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South in the National Assembly, joined Northern leaders in opposing the Federal Government’s plans to increase taxes.
In a statement made in Abuja, Ndume emphasized that the Federal Government should prioritize getting things right by broadening income sources for Nigerians and ensuring that citizens are thriving rather than merely surviving before considering any increase in taxes.
The former Senate Leader stated that the country’s middle class is slowly disappearing due to being pressured by high inflation.
“The proposed tax is putting Nigeria’s middle class at risk of disappearing. It seems there are only two categories left: those who have and those who do not. The middle ground is shrinking rapidly, squeezing out the people in between. If Nigerians can manage to pay these taxes, then it might be acceptable.”
In the present circumstances, raising taxes is not an option whatsoever. I cannot support any tax increase.
Let’s prioritize getting things right from the start. Allow people to truly live rather than just survive, and enable them to earn additional income before thinking about taxation. I prefer using examples that reflect common sense for clarity.
Ndume stated, “Ensure that Nigerians have sufficient blood in their bodies before requesting donations.”
He stated that the economic managers aim to make President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appear unfavorable to Nigerians by suggesting a tax increase.
He urged the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, along with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and other officials, to refrain from misleading President Tinubu.
Ndume, who recently praised President Tinubu for his de-dollarization policy, stated: “The level of poverty in the north is overwhelming. Let’s be honest about it. So now you want to raise taxes? Tax those who can afford to pay.”
Many individuals and companies in Nigeria who can afford to pay taxes are not doing so. Large corporations often fail to declare their income, let alone pay the appropriate amount of taxes.
I am among those against the tax bill in the National Assembly. I will not support it and plan to begin campaigning against this tax increase, as it impacts not only the north but also affects average Nigerians everywhere.
I’m not suggesting that people shouldn’t pay taxes, but it’s unfair to tax those who are already struggling to get by. When someone is earning a minimum wage of N70,000 and the cost of fuel suddenly rises to N1,000, it creates an unsustainable burden on them.
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This means that if you do the calculations, you’ll find it makes sense to keep paying me the N30,000 while allowing a litre of fuel to cost N100.
It’s like offering you something with one hand and taking it away with the other. The tax authority should concentrate on those who are supposed to pay taxes. For instance, in Abuja, there are numerous properties that aren’t being taxed. Fortunately, Nyesom Wike is stepping up to address this issue.
Many individuals are not paying property taxes, and similarly, banks are accumulating significant wealth without contributing to tax payments. Moreover, these financial institutions collect taxes during money transfers.
“If you receive money, taxes are being collected. They also report profits, so go inspect their tax records. Meanwhile, you’re targeting individuals who are just struggling to get by because there are many of them.”
You have to begin with something that is feasible. At one point, I suggested a bill for communication and phone owners to pay tax, but it never came to fruition.
“In Abuja, many individuals lack access to mobile phones. Anyone who does have phone access should be capable of paying taxes.”
