Former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has criticised Nigeria’s new tax reforms, warning that taxing poor citizens will provoke widespread resistance.
Sowore made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on January 5, 2026.
He argued that Nigerians face severe economic hardship and cannot bear additional tax burdens.
The activist proposed expanding the tax base rather than increasing rates on existing payers.
Sowore questioned official statistics justifying the reforms, accusing the government of inconsistencies and fraud in the process.
He described the alleged discrepancies between National Assembly-passed versions and gazetted laws as extortion.
The four new tax laws, effective from January 1, 2026, include the Nigeria Tax Act, Nigeria Tax Administration Act, National Revenue Service Establishment Act, and Joint Revenue Board Establishment Act.
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Controversies arose over claims of alterations in gazetted copies.
Presidential Committee Chairman Taiwo Oyedele dismissed circulating versions as fake, assuring no automatic bank debits.
The House of Representatives released Certified True Copies to promote transparency.
President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed scheduled implementation, emphasising fairness and protection for low-income earners and small businesses.
Exemptions cover individuals earning ₦800,000 or less annually and businesses with turnover below ₦100 million.
Critics, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, accused the government of illegal alterations and burdening the poor.
These debates highlight tensions over fiscal reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s revenue framework amid economic challenges.
