By John Akubo, Abuja
Former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr. Dumebi Kachikwu, has cautioned the Federal Government against introducing new tax measures in 2026, warning that additional taxation would further compound the hardship faced by millions of Nigerians.
In his New Year message to Nigerians, Kachikwu said the country should not begin the year with policies that deepen suffering, stressing that hope—already fragile for many citizens—must be protected rather than extinguished.
He noted that the New Year is traditionally a period of reflection, renewed commitment and hope, but lamented that for many Nigerians, hope has become increasingly difficult to sustain due to economic hardship, rising insecurity and what he described as an apparent insensitivity by political leadership to the plight of ordinary citizens.
Kachikwu likened the current suffering in the country to the biblical account of the Israelites in Egypt, warning that President Bola Tinubu must avoid policies that could trigger mass despair or social upheaval. While acknowledging that the president inherited a weak and troubled economy that required urgent reforms, he argued that the economic “surgery” being carried out had instead inflicted severe pain on the very citizens meant to benefit from it.
According to him, some government policies have disproportionately favoured a small group of corporate interests and “legal robbers,” while the majority of Nigerians struggle to survive. He said although tax reforms may be necessary in principle, the timing and burden are wrong, given that citizens already feel overtaxed and distrustful of how public revenues are utilised.
He warned that further taxation would erode the already shrinking middle class, many of whom now bear the cost of private education, healthcare and basic services due to the failure of public institutions.
Kachikwu expressed concern that the proposed tax reforms, if implemented as outlined, could trigger a crisis of unprecedented scale, especially at a time when the country is grappling with serious security challenges. He argued that what Nigerians need in the new year is care, compassion and support, not policies that worsen their living conditions.
While noting that he has supported some of President Tinubu’s bold initiatives, Kachikwu said he could not endorse any reform that further undermines the livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians. He maintained that the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” would ring hollow if policies continue to extinguish hope among the populace.
He called on the government to rethink its approach, urging leaders to prioritise the welfare of citizens and keep hope alive in 2026.
Kachikwu concluded by wishing Nigerians a hopeful, happy and prosperous New Year, while offering prayers for the country and its people.
