By: Okeke Eunice
Aminu Tambuwal, former Governor of Sokoto State and current Senator representing Sokoto South, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bill, deeming its timing unsuitable given the current economic hardships faced by Nigerians.
Tambuwal shared his concerns on Sunday while distributing relief supplies to flood victims and providing starter kits to over 1,000 participants of a skills acquisition program in his senatorial district.
During the event, he stated, “I want to use this platform to address the ongoing issue of tax reform proposed by President Bola Tinubu. I believe this is the wrong time for any upward revision of VAT or other taxes. The timing is entirely inappropriate.”
“These are challenging times for Nigerians, given the difficulties they are facing. The government should prioritize initiatives and projects that provide relief and support to the people, rather than actions that would add to their struggles.”
“We are already dealing with the hardships caused by the naira’s devaluation and the removal of the fuel subsidy implemented by this administration. Our priority should be addressing these challenges and finding ways to alleviate the suffering of our people.
“According to recent data from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, over 30 million Nigerians are currently living in extreme poverty.”
“In Shagari, the senator, in partnership with the National Emergency Management Agency, provided relief supplies to over 1,000 households affected by flooding and other natural disasters.
Similarly, in Bodinga, the senator collaborated with the National Directorate of Employment to offer skills training in various trades to more than 1,000 young people.”