Amanze Chinonye
The National Opposition Movement (NOM) has called on President Tinubu to immediately suspend the implementation of the new tax law scheduled to take effect in January, describing it as “an assault on the livelihood of ordinary Nigerians” rather than a genuine tax reform.
Addressing a press conference at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, on Wednesday, November 17, 2025, leaders of the movement said Nigeria was facing what they described as “multidimensional failure,” marked by worsening insecurity, rising poverty, homelessness and hunger.
According to NOM, the Tinubu administration has compounded the country’s socio-economic crisis by prioritising political and elite interests over the welfare of citizens. The group argued that living conditions in Nigeria have deteriorated to historic lows, with many citizens unable to afford food, transportation, electricity bills or rent.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelREAD ALSO : Opposition Figures Allege Clampdown on Rivals, Raise Alarm Over Threat to Nigeria’s Multi-Party Democracy
The opposition movement expressed support for recent interventions by organised labour, particularly the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), in opposing what it termed “mass impoverishment” resulting from government economic policies. It also commended opposition political leaders who recently spoke out against what it described as “tyranny and misgovernance.”
At the centre of NOM’s criticism is the new tax regime, which it said introduces compulsory tax filing requirements for all adults of taxable age, including the unemployed, beginning in early 2026, with penalties for non-compliance. The group said business owners would also be required to file tax returns for all employees, including those earning below the taxable threshold.
NOM described the policy as “mindless and exploitative,” especially in a country with tens of millions of unemployed citizens, limited internet access and weak institutional capacity. It warned that small and medium-scale enterprises, already struggling under inflation, currency depreciation and high operating costs, would be further squeezed by the new tax measures.
The movement further alleged that Nigerians earning below the minimum wage would be disproportionately affected, coming on the heels of fuel subsidy removal, rising electricity tariffs and soaring food prices. According to the group, imposing additional taxes under current conditions would deepen poverty and undermine human development.
Beyond economic concerns, NOM raised issues of governance and transparency, accusing the Tinubu administration of corruption, lack of accountability and state capture. It questioned the credibility of revenue-generating agencies and criticised what it described as secretive agreements, including a reported memorandum of understanding involving the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and a foreign agency.
The group also referenced recent public allegations of corruption involving senior government officials and regulatory agencies, arguing that citizens should not be asked to pay higher taxes in the absence of prudence, transparency and visible public benefits.
NOM warned that concentrating extensive powers in revenue authorities without strong safeguards could lead to abuse, particularly in a system with weak oversight. It argued that higher taxation has not translated into improved public services such as healthcare, education, security or job creation.
As part of its demands, the National Opposition Movement called for:
- Immediate suspension of the tax plan’s take-off date
- Nationwide consultations involving labour unions, civil society, professionals, small businesses and state governments
- Clear social protection guarantees linked to any future tax reforms
- A shift towards taxing luxury consumption, excess profits, monopolies and corruption rather than poverty
- Strong legal safeguards to protect taxpayer rights
“Nigeria does not suffer from low taxation; it suffers from waste, corruption, mismanagement and policy arrogance,” the group said, warning that forcing the tax plan through without consultation could have serious social and economic consequences.
The movement concluded by urging the federal government to ease what it described as pressure on citizens and opposition voices, warning that continued hardship and perceived authoritarian governance could threaten Nigeria’s stability, democracy and development.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
