Ali Ndume Urges Tinubu to Suspend New Tax Laws Over Alleged Alterations
Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to halt the planned January 1, 2026, implementation of Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws, citing the growing controversy surrounding their authenticity.
The Borno South lawmaker made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, PulseNets learned, as pressure continues to mount on the Federal Government from legal bodies and civil society groups.
PulseNets reported that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) had earlier demanded an immediate suspension of the tax laws’ implementation pending clarification of alleged irregularities. The call followed concerns raised within the National Assembly over possible alterations to the final version of the legislation.
PulseNets obtained details showing that a member of the House of Representatives, Abdussamad Dasuki, last week drew parliamentary attention to what he described as alleged changes made to the tax laws after legislative approval.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, had urged calm amid the controversy. Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, Oyedele called on Nigerians to exercise patience and allow lawmakers to conclude their investigations before reaching definitive conclusions on the matter.
Reacting to the situation, Ndume warned that proceeding with the implementation of the tax laws without resolving the allegations of forgery could undermine their legitimacy and public acceptance.
In his words, he stated: “Given the controversy trailing these laws, the President should immediately set up a team to verify the authenticity of the claims and respond appropriately.”
Ndume further urged President Tinubu to personally examine the matter, stressing the need to confirm whether the version signed into law aligns with the copies passed by the National Assembly.
“As a responsive leader, he should review the situation thoroughly to determine whether the signed document truly reflects what was approved or whether there were alterations. That clarity is essential to putting this controversy to rest,” he added.
The former Senate Leader cautioned that failure to address the allegations could stall the entire reform process, noting that unresolved doubts would make implementation practically impossible.
“If this issue is left unattended, the controversy will persist. You cannot build a policy framework on uncertainty. A law surrounded by doubt cannot be effectively implemented,” Ndume said.
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He also referenced mounting opposition from various stakeholders, including civil society organisations, the Arewa community, and the Nigerian Bar Association, all of whom have called for a withdrawal or suspension of the tax laws pending a thorough investigation.
“With so many credible voices demanding clarity, Mr President should suspend implementation and allow a small committee to investigate the forgery allegations, while the House of Representatives carries out its own review,” Ndume concluded.
