Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has urged the Federal Government to refrain from imposing additional taxes on impoverished Nigerians, advocating instead for a focus on wealthy individuals and corporations. Speaking on ARISE Television’s Prime Time show, Ndume criticized proposed tax reforms currently under review in the National Assembly, asserting that additional taxes would worsen conditions for struggling citizens.

“We are almost losing the middle class in Nigeria. Increasing taxes is not an option I support, especially with the poor already struggling,” Ndume stated. He emphasized that poverty levels are especially high in the northern regions, cautioning that further tax hikes would disproportionately affect these communities.

The senator stressed that Nigeria should first create conditions for citizens to thrive rather than merely survive, advocating for policies that enable people to have disposable income. He expressed support for fair taxation but argued that authorities should focus on enforcing taxes on individuals and companies who can afford to pay. “Let the tax authority concentrate on those who are supposed to pay tax,” Ndume added, pledging to campaign against tax hikes targeting the economically vulnerable.