‘Tinubu’s tax reforms not against poor Nigerians’

The Oyo State leader of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Senator Teslim Folarin,  has said the new tax law were not designed to impose additional hardship on Nigerians.

He urged Nigerians to remain calm, informed, and supportive of the tax reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking during continuation of the 14 Federal Constituency tour across the Irepo/Olorunsogo/Orelope Federal Constituency and the Atisbo/Saki West/Saki East Federal Constituencies, Folarin described the new laws as critical measures aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s revenue base and ensuring sustainable national development.

According to him, the reforms were focused on improving efficiency, blocking revenue leakages, and reducing Nigeria’s long-standing overdependence on oil revenue. 

He noted that Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio remains among the lowest globally, limiting government capacity to adequately fund critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and security without excessive borrowing.

He stressed that the emphasis of the reforms is on broadening the tax base rather than increasing tax rates across the board, adding that low-income earners remained protected through existing income thresholds and statutory exemptions. 

Folarin assured that greater tax responsibility would rest on higher-income earners, large corporations, and sectors with weak compliance records.

Beyond the tax reforms, the Renewed Hope Ambassador conveyed Tinubu’s appreciation to party members and the people of for their support during the 2023 presidential election. 

He further disclosed that the Oyo State chapter of the (APC) is targeting at least a 35 per cent improvement on its 2023 electoral performance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Calling for continued public support, Folarin said institutional reforms are taking firm root, outcomes are beginning to manifest, the economy is stabilising, and confidence is steadily being restored.

Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, Senator Ayo Adeseun, Senator Hosea Agboola, and Pharm. Olayide Abass charged APC members to uphold discipline and strengthen internal cohesion.

Also speaking were former deputy governors in Oyo State, Chief Iyiola Oladokun, Chief Moses Alake, and Engr. Rauf Olaniyan; as well as Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, Engr. Idris Adeoye, Mrs. Hanna Ogunesan, Prof. Adeolu Akande, Hon. Tajudeen Kareem, Hon. Olaide Muhammedah, Hon. Olamiju Alao-Akala, Hon. Remi Oseni, Barr. Adebayo Shittu, Rt. Hon. Muraina Ajibola, Hon. Bolaji Repete, Hon. Akeem Akogun, and Hon. Bosun Oladele.

The leaders called on APC members to remain disciplined and united, stressing that success in the 2027 elections would depend on cooperation, cohesion, and collective commitment rather than internal rivalry within the party.