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Oshiomhole says Tinubu’s economic and tax reforms are necessary despite public discomfort
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Former labour leader insists reforms protect low-income earners and are not anti-worker
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Senator argues taxation is vital to fund governance and reduce reliance on oil revenue
Former Edo State governor and senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has said the ongoing economic and tax reforms by the Federal Government are painful but unavoidable if Nigeria is to build a sustainable future.
Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Oshiomhole said Nigerians must separate short-term comfort from long-term national interest, stressing that meaningful reforms often come with hardship.
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According to him, repeated policy failures over the years were a result of avoiding difficult decisions, adding that Nigeria cannot continue with the same fiscal approach and expect different outcomes.
Oshiomhole defended the current tax reforms, dismissing claims that they target workers and the poor. He said the new framework reflects progressive ideals by shielding low-income earners while placing a higher burden on those who earn more.
The former labour leader said Nigerians earning up to ₦100,000 monthly are now fully exempt from income tax, describing the policy as relief rather than punishment for workers.
He explained that even high-income earners now pay less tax compared to the previous regime, arguing that available data does not support criticisms against the reforms.
Drawing international comparisons, Oshiomhole said progressive governments across the world favour taxing the wealthy more, noting that Nigeria’s reforms align with that philosophy.
He stressed that taxation is the backbone of governance, warning that without taxes, the state would be unable to fund security, infrastructure, education and other essential services.
Oshiomhole also defended value-added tax (VAT), describing it as one of the fairest forms of taxation because it applies only to consumption, while basic food items remain exempt.
He questioned why Nigerians accept higher consumption taxes abroad but oppose similar measures at home, insisting that tax compliance must be enforced strictly.
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According to him, tax evasion should attract stiff penalties, including imprisonment, as practiced in serious economies.
The senator acknowledged that citizens have the right to demand accountability once they pay taxes but warned against the illusion that government funds come from nowhere.
He argued that decades of oil revenue distorted Nigerians’ perception of taxation, stressing that the country must move away from dependence on oil.
On broader reforms, Oshiomhole said the Tinubu administration never promised instant relief, adding that radical reforms are rarely painless.
He urged Nigerians to assess the government by long-term outcomes rather than immediate discomfort, insisting that building Nigeria for tomorrow requires sacrifice today.