Tinubu Prioritise Revenue Generation Over Nigerians’ Welfare – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of prioritising revenue generation over the welfare of Nigerians, urging the Federal Government to immediately suspend the implementation of the newly enacted Tax Acts scheduled to take effect on January 1.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the opposition party raised concerns over what it described as inconsistencies between the harmonised versions of the Tax Acts passed by the National Assembly and the gazetted copies currently in circulation. The PDP alleged that provisions earlier removed by lawmakers had reappeared in the final documents, triggering public concern and calls for accountability.

According to the party, the reintroduction of what it termed “dangerous provisions” has cast doubt on the integrity of the legislative process, warranting a thorough investigation into how the clauses resurfaced and those responsible for the alleged alterations. The PDP faulted the Presidency for insisting that the commencement date of the new tax regime must stand despite the reported discrepancies.

The party argued that the Federal Government’s stance exposed its true priorities, suggesting that fiscal considerations were being placed above the well-being of citizens. It maintained that the administration’s posture reinforced public perception that revenue mobilisation, rather than economic relief for Nigerians, was driving government policy.

The PDP further accused the Tinubu administration of consistently elevating fiscal measures over citizens’ welfare since assuming office in 2023, citing the removal of fuel subsidy as a policy decision that significantly worsened economic hardship across the country.

Emphasising the principles of democratic governance, the party said public confidence in laws enacted by elected representatives is essential, adding that even the suspicion of irregularities should be sufficient grounds to halt the implementation of the tax laws.

The PDP called on President Tinubu to suspend the take-off date of the Tax Acts pending a comprehensive investigation, warning that failure to do so would deepen the belief that revenue generation, rather than the welfare of Nigerians, remains the administration’s overriding priority.