Ndume warns FG against tax hikes, advocates for poor Nigerians
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South in the National Assembly, has called on the Federal Government to avoid imposing additional taxes on the poor.
He voiced his concerns during an appearance on ARISE Television’s Prime Time show.
Reacting to the tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly, Senator Ndume emphasized that the government should target wealthy individuals and corporations rather than burdening poor Nigerians. He expressed strong opposition to any tax increases, citing the suffering of the poor.
“We are almost losing the middle class in Nigeria. It’s becoming a situation where you either have it or you don’t. Those in the middle are being squeezed out. If Nigerians could afford those taxes, it might be acceptable, but in the current situation, increasing taxes is not an option at all. I will not support any tax hike,” Ndume stated.
“Let’s get things right first. People need to start living, not just surviving. They should have some extra income. The North has a higher poverty rate, so if there’s a push for tax increases, we need to be considerate. Tax those who can afford it; many of those who should be paying are not doing so.
“I will begin campaigning against tax increases because this issue affects not just northerners but all average Nigerians. I’m not saying people shouldn’t pay taxes, but we shouldn’t tax those who are barely surviving. The tax authority should focus on those who can afford to pay.”
Proofreading by Uchechi Ojo, Sub-editor at NeptunePrime.
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