Tax Reform Crisis: Tinubu Signed Different Laws From Those Passed by N’Assembly — Ndume

 

Former Senate Chief Whip and Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, has raised serious concerns over the recently signed tax reform laws, alleging that President Bola Tinubu assented to versions different from those passed by the National Assembly.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Ndume described the development as a grave threat to legislative integrity, transparency, and democratic governance, warning that the matter could erode public trust if not urgently addressed.

Recall that on June 26, 2025, President Tinubu signed into law four major tax reform bills — the Nigeria Tax Bill, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill — all of which took effect from January 1, 2026.

The laws form part of a sweeping reform agenda initiated by the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, aimed at improving revenue collection, strengthening oversight, and aligning Nigeria’s tax system with international best practices.

However, Ndume insisted that the final versions signed into law were not what lawmakers approved.

“Even the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Tax Reform admitted that there are different versions. My concern is not only the discrepancies but the secrecy surrounding it,” he said.

Describing the situation as unacceptable in a democratic system, Ndume added:

“This is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Why should anything be hidden?”

He stressed that the issue goes beyond mere technical errors, accusing the executive arm of government of undermining the authority of the legislature.

Ndume disclosed that the House of Representatives has already commenced an investigation into the alleged discrepancies.

“There are clear differences. What we passed is not what the President signed. This is not something that can be swept under the carpet. You cannot build on disputed ground,” he warned.

He rejected arguments suggesting that controversial provisions could simply be ignored during implementation.

“Laws are not implemented at discretion. Once a bill is passed, nobody has the right to add to it or remove from it. Taking issues like this lightly suggests Nigerians themselves are being taken lightly,” Ndume said.

The senator further criticised what he described as growing arrogance among some government policy actors, noting that Nigerians are not opposed to taxation but have lost trust in the system.

“Nigerians are not against tax. The real problem is trust. That trust has been eroded, yet taxes are being imposed arrogantly without adequate explanation. The President is a servant of the people, not the other way round,” he stated.

On the political implications, Ndume warned that rising dissatisfaction in Northern Nigeria could significantly influence the 2027 general elections if left unresolved.

“Anyone who says the North is not grumbling is not telling the truth. And that grumbling will reflect loudly at the polls if nothing is done,” he cautioned.

He added that electoral victory cannot be imposed.

“You don’t win elections by declaring victory. You win when the people accept you. If things don’t change, how do you expect people to vote for you?” he asked.

Despite his criticism, Ndume maintained that President Tinubu still has an opportunity to rebuild public confidence.

“Nigerians are forgiving people. If security improves and citizens can travel freely without fear, many grievances will fade,” he said.

However, he argued that the President himself was not the core problem but some individuals around him.

According to Ndume, many competent Nigerians have been sidelined, while key decisions are being taken by persons who lack adequate understanding of the country, warning that public patience has limits.

“If people remain unhappy, resistance may come through votes, political realignments, or other lawful means. We have seen this happen before, even beyond Nigeria,” he concluded.