National Opposition Movement Condemns Tinubu’s Tax Law, Says It Threatens Livelihood of Ordinary Nigerians

A coalition of opposition politicians under the banner of the National Opposition Movement (NOM) has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recently announced tax reforms, describing them as an assault on the economic well-being of ordinary Nigerians rather than a genuine reform.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, NOM representatives called the tax plan “ill-conceived and ill-timed,” arguing that it comes at a moment when Nigeria is grappling with multiple economic and social challenges. According to the movement, the government’s focus on its political and financial interests, rather than the welfare of citizens, is exacerbating the country’s multidimensional struggles.

Hon. Chile Igbawua, addressing the media on behalf of the movement, said,

“It is sad that at a time like this, the Tinubu administration is preparing to roll out the most punitive and exploitative tax regime in the history of Nigeria. Even the colonial authority did not contemplate taxing poor Nigerians in such a harsh manner.”

Igbawua further explained that the new tax law requires all adults of taxable age, employed or not, to file a tax return between January 1 and March 31, 2026. Company owners are mandated to file returns for all employees, even those earning below the taxable bracket. Non-compliance will trigger sanctions, and filing requires a Tax Identification Number (TIN)—a significant challenge in a country where millions are unemployed and internet access is limited.

The opposition movement stressed that the policy disproportionately affects small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and low-income earners. By removing subsidies and imposing additional levies on low-wage workers, the government is deepening poverty and threatening economic growth. NOM described the plan as a “weapon fashioned against the economic wellbeing and social security of suffering Nigerians.”

The movement demanded immediate action from the government, including:

• Suspension of the tax plan’s take-off date
• Nationwide consultations involving labor unions, civil society groups, SMEs, professionals, and states
• Social protection guarantees tied to any tax reform
• Focused taxation on luxury goods, excess profits, monopolies, and corruption rather than ordinary citizens
• Strong legal safeguards to protect taxpayer rights

Failure to heed these demands, NOM warned, would make the government fully responsible for any resulting social and economic consequences.

Leaders at the press conference included Comrade Dalihu Lukman, former Director General of the Progressives Governors Forum; Solomon Dalung, former Sports Minister; CID Maduabum; Aisha Yesufu; and Zakari Mohammed.

NOM’s statements underline growing concerns that the new tax regime could deepen inequality and negatively impact millions of Nigerians already struggling to make ends meet.