Senator Adams Oshiomhole has praised President Bola Tinubu’s newly introduced tax policy, describing it as a true reflection of a progressive government.
The Edo North lawmaker, who said he supported the tax bill before it was passed into law, made the remarks on Wednesday during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television.
Oshiomhole explained that the policy is progressive because it places a higher tax burden on high-income earners while offering relief and exemptions to low-income earners.
“The facts on the ground show that President Tinubu’s tax policy aligns with the principles of a progressive government,” he said. “It places greater responsibility on those who earn more and provides exemptions for those who earn less.”
The former Edo State governor emphasized that he fully supports the policy, noting that taxation is fundamental to governance.
“Governments do not earn money; citizens earn income, and government revenue comes from taxing those earnings, whether personal or corporate. That is what determines the annual revenue of any state,” he explained.
Oshiomhole added that working families are likely to benefit under the new tax regime, pointing out that most Nigerian workers earn far less than the ₦1 million monthly threshold, or ₦12 million annually, above which higher taxes apply.
“For salary earners, this tax policy is clearly progressive,” he said.
On Value Added Tax (VAT), the senator said average Nigerians should not be overly concerned, as VAT mainly applies to non-essential and luxury items. He also criticised citizens who pay VAT abroad but resist paying the same tax at home.
“Anywhere in the world, when you buy non-food items, you pay VAT. Nigerians pay VAT in places like America, London and Dubai, yet resist paying VAT in Nigeria,” he said.
President Tinubu, despite criticisms, reaffirmed in December 2025 that the new tax laws would take effect from January 1, 2026. He explained that the reforms are intended not to arbitrarily raise taxes, but to drive structural reforms, promote harmonisation, protect citizens’ dignity, and strengthen the social contract, urging Nigerians to support their implementation.