Amidst a tense political atmosphere in Nigeria, Senator Ndume has taken a firm stand against any tax hike by the Federal Government. In a powerful statement dated October 30, 2024, he stressed the importance of government ensuring that Nigerians can not only survive but truly live, warning of the disappearance of the middle class.
Senator Ndume expressed concern over the potential impact of further tax hikes on Nigeria’s already weakened middle class. According to him, Nigerians are already under significant financial strain, and any tax hike would risk exacerbating economic inequality.
He said: “This issue of taxes that is being talked about; we are almost losing the middle class in Nigeria. It is either you have it or you don’t have it. Those in the middle are increasingly being left out.”
Ndume stressed that the priority should be to fix the current economic dysfunctions before considering tax hikes. He insisted that Nigerians should have enough income to sustain themselves before they can bear additional tax burdens.
“Allow Nigerians to have enough resources before asking them for contributions,” he explained, stressing the importance of ensuring a decent standard of living for all.
Furthermore, the senator criticized the bill as an attempt to discredit President Tinubu in the eyes of Nigerians, calling on those responsible for the country’s economy to stop misleading the president.
He also highlighted the specific economic challenges faced by the northern regions of Nigeria, stressing that any increase in taxes would have a disproportionate impact on a population already facing endemic poverty.
Committed to defending the interests of the citizens, Ndume made it clear that he would vigorously oppose any bill that seeks to increase taxes in Nigeria, stressing the importance of targeting taxpayers who can afford to pay.
Ultimately, this statement underscores the need for a balanced approach to fiscal policy that takes into account the needs of Nigerians and the economic reality of the country.