It is suspicious - Ndume queries rush to pass tax reform bill

Senator Ali Ndume has voiced strong opposition to the tax reform bills currently under consideration by the National Assembly, criticizing the urgency with which the Presidency and some lawmakers are pushing them forward. Ndume described the rapid progress of the bills as suspicious and called for a more cautious and consultative approach.

The tax reform bills, submitted by President Bola Tinubu on October 3, passed their second reading in the Senate on November 28. The proposed legislation includes the creation of a Joint Revenue Board, a Tax Appeal Tribunal, and an Office of the Tax Ombud, all aimed at improving Nigeria’s revenue administration.

Speaking on Channels Television's Politics Today, Ndume, representing Borno South, urged the Presidency to follow the National Economic Council's (NEC) advice to withdraw the bills for broader consultation. “I’m not saying we should throw out the baby with the bathwater, but since governors, the NEC, and others have recommended more consultation before proceeding, why the rush? That raises serious suspicion,” he stated.

Ndume compared the process to the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which took years of deliberation and consultation before it was passed, emphasizing the need for a similar approach with the tax bills. He also criticized the timing, arguing that introducing such reforms when Nigerians are facing economic hardships is inappropriate.

“Nigerians are struggling to survive. It’s not about avoiding taxes—we’ve been paying them historically—but the timing is wrong,” he said, adding that reforms should be introduced when citizens are more financially stable. He likened the proposals to “giving with one hand and taking back with the other.” Ndume rejected claims that his opposition was intended to undermine President Tinubu, insisting that his goal was to prevent the administration