According to a report from VANGUARD news, Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has strongly criticized the tax reform bills proposed by President Bola Tinubu, warning that he may leave the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) if the policies are enacted.
During an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television, Ndume expressed his opposition to the four tax bills, which have already passed the second reading in the Senate.The bills were introduced by President Tinubu in October and are currently under consideration in the National Assembly.Ndume's primary concern is that the tax reforms, rather than relieving economic burdens, would shift the financial strain onto ordinary Nigerians.
He argued that while the proposed bills exempt individuals earning below ₦800,000 annually from VAT, this exemption would not provide meaningful relief since these individuals would still bear the cost of VAT through increased prices of goods.He pointed to the impact of corporate tax hikes, which, according to him, would inevitably lead to higher prices for goods and services.For instance, he mentioned how the price of cement could rise if companies like Dangote pass on the higher tax costs to consumers.Ndume, who has been a longstanding member of the APC, also revealed that he is "close to President Tinubu" and has been patient with the administration despite his reservations.However, he made it clear that he would not hesitate to leave the party if the tax reforms are pushed through.He expressed frustration at what he perceived as the government's failure to consider the economic realities faced by ordinary Nigerians, who are already grappling with high living costs.In his view, the reforms could worsen the situation for the very people they are supposed to help.The senator's comments are part of a broader wave of criticism from various quarters, including northern governors and other lawmakers, who have voiced opposition to the tax reform proposals.The Northern Governors' Forum and the National Economic Council have called for the bills to be withdrawn, citing concerns that they would place undue financial strain on the public
