The National Opposition Movement (NOM) has issued a stark warning to President Bola Tinubu's administration, demanding the immediate suspension of a new tax regime set to begin in January 2026. The group argues the policy will impose an unbearable burden on citizens already grappling with severe economic hardship.
A Nation on the Brink of Multidimensional Failure
Speaking at a press conference held at the Shehu Yar’adua Centre in Abuja on Wednesday, NOM painted a grim picture of the national condition. The movement described Nigeria as being "at a threshold of multidimensional failure," citing escalating poverty, widespread homelessness, and rampant insecurity.
NOM's statement was blunt: "At no time in the history of the country has life been so short, so brutish, and so miserable for citizens." They reinforced this by pointing out that global indices now rank Nigeria below neighbouring nations like Benin, Togo, and Niger for quality of life.
Details of the Controversial Tax Plan
The movement laid out specific provisions of the upcoming tax law that it finds particularly problematic. According to NOM, the mandate requires that all adults of taxable age, employed or not, must file a tax return between January 1 and March 31, 2026, with penalties for non-compliance.
Company owners are also obligated to file for all employees, even those earning below the taxable threshold. A significant hurdle highlighted is the requirement for a Tax Identification Number (TIN) to complete the process, which NOM called "mindless."
NOM argues this framework is utterly impractical and exploitative, given Nigeria's context of over 70 million unemployed citizens and limited internet access for many. They label it an "exploitative racket against innocent Nigerians."
An Assault on Livelihoods and a Call for Action
The opposition group accused the Federal Government of prioritizing political interests over citizen welfare, stating the new tax plan represents "an assault on the livelihood of ordinary Nigerians." They warned that by this plan, even those earning less than the minimum wage would face heavy taxation, following the removal of subsidies and exposure to high tariffs.
NOM also criticized a perceived lack of transparency, referencing a memorandum of understanding between the Federal Inland Revenue Service and a French agency, and alleging "grand corruption" within state revenue institutions.
The movement presented a list of concrete demands:
- Immediate suspension of the tax plan's January 2026 take-off date.
- Nationwide consultations involving labour, civil society, SMEs, professionals, and state governments.
- Explicit social protection guarantees tied to any future tax reform.
- A shift in taxation focus to target luxury goods, excess profits, monopolies, and corruption—not poverty.
In a closing rallying cry, NOM declared solidarity with workers, traders, professionals, and small businesses. "We will resist any policy that punishes the poor to excuse leadership failure," they stated, holding the government fully responsible for any social and economic consequences if the plan proceeds without suspension and consultation.
The group concluded with a regional warning, noting that the crisis in West Africa stems from unaccountable governance and arrogance. They urged that Nigeria must be saved from stoking a conflict that could destroy democracy and development prospects.
