A few days to its planned implementation, the President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax policies on Wednesday faced fresh opposition as a new opposition movement urged the federal government to halt its implementation or risk mass protests across the country.
The tax policies implementation has been scheduled to take effect as from January 2, 2026.
The group, under the aegis of the National Opposition Movement (NOM), called on the Federal Government to immediately suspend the implementation of the newly introduced tax law, warning that the policy would worsen poverty and deepen economic hardship for millions of Nigerians.
Addressing a press conference at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, the movement said the proposed tax regime, scheduled to take effect on January 2, 2026, was “not a reform” but an assault on the livelihood of ordinary Nigerians.
The movement claims, “Tinubu administration is preparing to roll out the most punitive and exploitative tax regime in the history of Nigeria.
“There is an urgent need for a platform to engage political actors, national stakeholders, academia, civil society, the media, the political parties themselves, democratic institutions of other nations and all who can contribute to the wellness and sustainability of our democracy. We have created “National Opposition Movement.
“This has become necessary as it is obvious that those who are elected members of the opposition have not shown the courage to take on the issues that affect the country and the well-being of the masses.
“The birth of the movement has become necessary as it is obvious that those who are elected members of the opposition have not shown the courage to take on the issues that affect the country and the well-being of the masses.
“The march has begun. We are extending our hands in partnership and collaboration to all Nigerians desirous of a vibrant opposition as well as transparent, credible democratic and electoral processes.This Movement Shall be Christened,” the movement stated.
The NOM described the timing of the tax law as “cruel and illogical”, stating that it comes on the heels of rising food prices, high transport costs, increasing electricity tariffs and widespread unemployment.
(Photo: Gee Tv)