The Igbo Youths Progressive Forum (IYPF) strongly opposes President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bill, condemning it as unjust, anti-people, and a direct assault on equity and fairness in Nigeria. At a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with inflation, unemployment, and widespread poverty, this bill seeks to impose additional burdens while favoring a few industrialized states.
For regions like the South East, which already suffer from federal neglect and limited industrial development, the consequences of this bill are dire. By disproportionately benefiting wealthier states, the proposed tax reform risks further widening the economic divide, crippling small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and stifling local economies. These SMEs, which are vital to job creation and national growth, cannot withstand the increased financial strain, threatening countless livelihoods.
Another deeply concerning aspect of the bill is the plan to shift the funding of TETFund (Tertiary Education Trust Fund) to the national budget. This decision jeopardizes an agency that has played a crucial role in improving tertiary education infrastructure and standards. Moving TETFund under the national budget introduces inefficiency, bureaucratic delays, and the likelihood of chronic underfunding. Nigerian students, already battling poor learning conditions, frequent strikes, and rising tuition fees, will face even greater challenges.
The IYPF views this tax reform as an attack on Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens and a threat to national unity. By ignoring the principle of equity and imposing policies that deepen regional inequalities, the bill undermines the foundation of a fair and inclusive Nigeria.
We call on the National Assembly to reject this harmful proposal and demand reforms that prioritize the needs of all Nigerians. The IYPF stands committed to fighting for policies that promote equity, justice, and national development, ensuring no region is left behind.