National Opposition Movement calls for immediate suspension of Tinubu’s controversial tax law

The National Opposition Movement (NOM) has demanded the immediate suspension of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s new tax law, describing it as “an assault on the livelihood of ordinary Nigerians” rather than a genuine tax reform.

Speaking at a press conference at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, NOM condemned the tax plan as punitive, exploitative, and ill-timed, especially amid rising poverty, unemployment, and insecurity in the country.

The group highlighted that Nigerians are struggling to afford basic necessities, including food, electricity, and housing, while the government continues to impose heavy taxation.

According to NOM, the new law requires all adults of taxable age to file returns between January 1 and March 31, 2026, with sanctions for non-compliance. Company owners are also required to file on behalf of employees, even those earning below the taxable bracket.

The group argued that the policy is unworkable in a country where over 70 million are unemployed, internet access is limited, and state service delivery is poor.

“This is not tax reform; it is a weapon fashioned against the economic wellbeing and social security of suffering and poor Nigerian citizens,” NOM said. The group also criticized the government for removing subsidies, overtaxing low-wage earners, and favoring wealthy elites and political cronies.

NOM called for nationwide consultations with labor unions, civil society, SMEs, professionals, and state governments before any tax law implementation. It also demanded strong legal safeguards to protect taxpayer rights and the prioritization of taxing excess profits, luxury, monopolies, and corruption rather than poverty.

The group pledged to stand with Nigerian workers, traders, and small businesses, warning that forcing the tax plan without consultation could have severe social and economic consequences.

“Nigeria is hurting. Enough of poverty, enough of insecurity, enough of the burden of his taskmaster, enough of assault against opposition leaders. Tinubu should let Nigerians breathe,” the statement added.