Senator Aminu Tambuwal, the former Governor of Sokoto State and current Senator representing Sokoto South Senatorial District, has voiced his strong opposition to the controversial Tax Reform Bills introduced by President Bola Tinubu. Speaking on Sunday during an event in his senatorial district, Tambuwal expressed deep concerns over the timing of the bills, arguing that they are ill-suited to the current economic realities facing Nigerians.
The senator, who was in his constituency to distribute relief materials to victims of recent flooding and to present starter packs to over a thousand individuals who had completed skills acquisition training, took the opportunity to address the tax reform proposals. He stressed that the government should be focused on providing immediate relief to the citizens rather than introducing measures that could further burden the already struggling populace.
“This is a difficult time for Nigerians. We are grappling with the consequences of the naira devaluation and the removal of the fuel subsidy. Instead of increasing the hardships that people are facing, what the government should focus on is implementing projects and programs that offer genuine relief,” Tambuwal stated. He further added, “The Nigerian people are already enduring significant suffering, and the priority should be to alleviate that pain, not to introduce additional financial strain.”
He also referenced recent reports from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, which indicate that more than 30 million Nigerians are currently living in extreme poverty. This, he argued, underscores the urgency of addressing the immediate needs of the people, rather than introducing policies that could exacerbate the situation.
Tambuwal’s remarks come at a time when the tax reform proposals have stirred controversy across various sectors of the country. Critics argue that the bills are being introduced at a time when the country is facing multiple economic challenges, including inflation and a growing poverty rate.
During his visit to Shagari, the senator, in partnership with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), distributed relief materials to over a thousand households affected by flooding and other natural disasters. Later, in Bodinga, he collaborated with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to train over a thousand young people in various skills to help them become more self-reliant and contribute to the local economy.
By using his platform to highlight these pressing issues, Tambuwal continues to push for policies that prioritize the welfare of Nigerians, particularly during these challenging times. His criticism of the tax reform bills serves as a reminder of the need for the government to carefully consider.
Gathered by: Onoro Promise Edesiri