APC in Lagos Rejects Claims New Tax Laws Target Poor Nigerians

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected allegations that the Federal Government’s newly introduced tax reform laws are designed to disadvantage poor or economically vulnerable Nigerians.

The party described the criticisms surrounding

the policy as misleading narratives driven by

misinformation, exaggerated claims, and

calculated political motives intended to confuse

the public.

In a statement released by the party’s state spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, the APC explained that the tax reform initiative was structured to safeguard low-income earners while modernising Nigeria’s tax system in line with international standards.

Oladejo stated that individuals within the lowest income brackets are either exempt from paying taxes entirely or will benefit from reduced tax liabilities under the new framework. According to him, the reforms prioritise fairness, efficiency, and transparency rather than punishment.

“The tax reform has been carefully designed to protect low-income earners, broaden exemptions, and establish a more progressive and humane taxation structure,” Oladejo said, dismissing opposing views as alarmist and inaccurate.

He further noted that Nigeria’s reliance on an outdated, fragmented, and oil-dependent tax structure had hindered economic growth for years. Oladejo explained that the country has struggled with issues such as multiple taxation, overlapping regulatory mandates, revenue leakages, and poor enforcement, all of which the new law seeks to address.

According to the APC spokesperson, the revised tax regime simplifies processes, strengthens compliance, and improves revenue management.

Oladejo added that businesses—especially Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)—stand to gain from the reform through the removal of nuisance taxes, easier compliance procedures, and a more stable and predictable fiscal environment.

He also stressed that large corporations would be

 required to contribute fairly to national development, noting that profitable companies must play their part in sustaining economic growth.

“This tax reform is pro-growth, pro-investment, 

and pro-Nigeria,” Oladejo concluded.