In a recent interview with Arise News FROM 15:20, Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) voiced strong opposition to any proposed tax increases in Nigeria, arguing that additional taxes would further burden struggling Nigerians, especially those in the impoverished northern region. Ndume underscored that in Nigeria’s current economic situation, with many citizens merely surviving rather than thriving, a tax hike would exacerbate existing hardships.
“If Nigeria can pay for those taxes, it’s okay,” Ndume said. “But in the current situation, increasing tax is not an alternative at all. I’ll not support any increase in any tax. Let us get things right first, let people start living, not surviving. Let people have extra income, then you tax them.”
Ndume highlighted the widespread poverty in Nigeria’s northern states, describing the toll it takes on communities, and questioned the feasibility of further taxing these populations. He emphasized that additional taxes should be directed only at those who can afford them, noting that wealthy Nigerians often evade taxes while poorer citizens shoulder a disproportionate share.
“The poverty is more in the North. Let’s be frank about that… You want to introduce taxes again? Tax those people that can afford it. Those that can afford taxes in Nigeria are not even paying the taxes,” Ndume stated. He expressed intentions to campaign against any increase in taxes, asserting that such measures would harm average Nigerians, regardless of their region.