Oshiomhole Says Tinubu’s Tax Reforms Reflect Progressive Values

Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s newly enacted tax laws, describing them as a hallmark of progressive governance that shifts the tax burden from low-income earners to the wealthy.

The lawmaker said he was among the legislators who backed the tax bills before they were signed into laws, stressing that the new tax regime was fair, equitable and socially responsive.

Speaking on ‘Politics Today’, a current affairs programme on Channels Television on Wednesday night, Oshiomhole said the structure of the policy clearly reflects progressive values.

“The facts on the ground show that President Tinubu’s tax policy is consistent with the values of a progressive government,” he said. “It places a higher burden on those who earn more, while granting exemptions to those who earn less.”

The former Edo State governor emphasised that taxation is central to governance, dismissing claims that governments generate revenue independently of citizens.

“Governments do not earn money on their own. Citizens earn income, whether individually or corporately, and government revenue comes from taxing those earnings. The total of these taxes determines the annual income of the state,” he explained.

Oshiomhole noted that the policy was designed to protect workers and families, arguing that most Nigerian salary earners fall below the higher tax brackets.

“There is no member of the Nigeria Labour Congress earning N1 million monthly, which amounts to N12 million annually. For salary earners, this tax policy is clearly progressive,” he said.

Addressing concerns over Value Added Tax (VAT), the Senator said such fears were largely misplaced, noting that VAT applies mainly to luxury and non-essential items rather than basic necessities.

He also criticised Nigerians who oppose paying VAT domestically while accepting similar taxes abroad. “Nigerians pay VAT in America, London and Dubai, yet resist paying VAT here at home,” he said.

Despite the public debate surrounding the reforms, President Tinubu reaffirmed in December 2025 that the new tax laws would take effect from January 1, 2026.

The President said the reforms were not intended as arbitrary tax increases but as a structural reset aimed at harmonising the tax system, protecting citizens’ dignity and strengthening Nigeria’s social contract. He urged Nigerians to support the implementation of the policy.