Ali Ndume, senator representing Borno south, says the federal government should not burden the poor with more taxes.
The national assembly is reportedly considering a bill
proposing an increase in value added tax (VAT) from 7.5 percent to 10 percent
by 2025.
The legislature also intends to increase VAT to 12.5 percent
by 2026 through 2029.
During an appearance on Prime Time, an Arise Television
programme, Ndume said he would resist any attempt to punish the poor with more
taxes.
He advised the federal government to go after rich
individuals and corporations, adding that millions of Nigerians are barely surviving
and cannot afford to be taxed more than they already are.
“We are almost losing the middle class in Nigeria. It is
either you have it or you do not have it. Those that are in the middle are
being squeezed out,” he said.
“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.
“Let us get things
right first. Let people start living and not surviving. Let people have extra
income.
“The north has more poverty, so if you want to increase
taxes again, let’s be considerate. Tax those people who can afford it. Those
who can afford the taxes in Nigeria are not even paying for them.
“I’m going to start campaigning against the increase in tax
for now because it doesn’t only affect the northerners, it affects the average
Nigeria. 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.”
Nigeria has been grappling with its worst economic crisis in
decades since President Bola Tinubu unfurled a raft of reforms in 2023.
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