The National Opposition Movement (NOM) has called for the immediate suspension of President Bola Tinubu’s new tax law, describing it as a harsh assault on the livelihood of ordinary Nigerians rather than a genuine tax reform.
At a press conference held at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, NOM spokespersons highlighted Nigeria’s worsening socio-economic conditions, including rising poverty, insecurity, and deteriorating living standards.
“Nigeria is at the threshold of multidimensional failure,” the group said, blaming the Tinubu administration’s policies for deepening hardships.
According to NOM, the new tax law requires all adults of taxable age, employed or not, to file tax returns by March 31, 2026, or face sanctions.
Business owners must also file for all employees regardless of income level. NOM criticized this policy as unrealistic given Nigeria’s high unemployment rate, poor internet access, and struggling small businesses.
“This is not tax reform; it is an attack on Nigerians,” said a NOM representative.
“The government is asking people already crippled by poverty and inflation to pay more while serving the interests of a wealthy few.”
NOM also raised concerns over a secretive agreement between Nigeria’s tax agency and a French company, suggesting a lack of transparency and possible compromise of national interests.
The group cited widespread corruption and accused the administration of prioritizing political power and oligarchic enrichment over citizens’ welfare.
The movement urged the government to halt the tax law rollout and engage in broad consultations with labour unions, civil society, and business communities.
Their demands include protecting taxpayer rights, taxing luxury and excess profits instead of the poor, and linking any tax reform to social protection guarantees.
NOM pledged to stand with Nigerian workers, traders, and professionals to resist policies that punish the poor.
They warned that forcing the tax plan without proper consultation could lead to severe social and economic consequences.
“We say enough of poverty, insecurity, and oppression,” NOM concluded. “The government should let Nigerians breathe and end its assault on democracy and national stability.”
