Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, recently voiced concerns about the proposed Value Added Tax (VAT) increase, urging President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the plan. Speaking on Arise Television, Senator Ndume highlighted the impact this tax hike could have on Nigeria’s struggling population.

The government is considering a step-by-step increase in VAT, raising it from 7.5% to 10% by 2025 and then to 12.5% between 2026 and 2029. Ndume argues that this would add more financial pressure on low-income Nigerians who are already facing economic challenges. He pointed out that many citizens are barely managing to get by each day, and an increase in VAT could make it even harder for them to cover basic needs.

Senator Ndume’s message is simple: spare the poor from extra taxes. He believes that Nigeria should avoid policies that would deepen poverty and make life tougher for those with limited income. Instead, he suggests that the government should look into alternative revenue sources to lessen the tax burden on regular citizens.

By opposing the VAT hike, Ndume is urging the government to prioritize the welfare of Nigeria’s low-income families. He hopes that this message will encourage leaders to find a way to boost revenue without causing more hardship for vulnerable Nigerians.