Former Nigerian Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend the implementation of the country’s new tax laws, scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026. This appeal comes amid growing controversy surrounding the laws, with allegations of forgery and alterations. Ndume made the request in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, citing the need for the President to constitute a team to verify the claims and take necessary action.
The controversy surrounding the tax laws began when a member of the House of Representatives, Abdussamad Dasuki, drew attention to alleged alterations in the laws. The Nigerian Bar Association has since demanded the suspension of the implementation, while the Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, has urged calm and called for lawmakers to complete their investigation before drawing conclusions.
Ndume’s appeal emphasizes the importance of resolving the controversy before proceeding with the implementation of the tax laws. He notes that failing to address the allegations of forgery will create a legitimacy challenge for the laws. The Senator’s statement reads, “The President should look into it to find out if the copy that was signed and the claim of alterations are genuine, so that he will do the needful to bring the controversy to rest.”
The call for suspension has been echoed by various civil society organizations, the Arewa Community, and the Nigerian Bar Association. They argue that the allegations of forgery must be investigated, and the tax law withdrawn until the issues are resolved. Ndume suggests that a small committee be set up to investigate the allegations, while the House of Representatives conducts its own inquiry.
The suspension of the tax laws’ implementation is seen as a necessary step to ensure the legitimacy and credibility of the laws. With the controversy showing no signs of abating, President Tinubu’s response to Ndume’s appeal will be closely watched. The outcome of the investigation and any subsequent actions will have significant implications for the country’s tax system and the government’s efforts to implement economic reforms. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government will address the concerns and allegations surrounding the new tax laws.