By Nathaniel Zaccheaus, Abuja
Former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr Dumebi Kachikwu, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu against introducing additional taxes in 2026, warning that further fiscal pressure on Nigerians could trigger a social and economic crisis.
In his New Year message to Nigerians, Kachikwu said the country could not begin the new year with more taxes at a time when millions of citizens were struggling under the weight of economic reforms, worsening insecurity and declining living standards.
According to him, while the start of a new year is traditionally a season of hope, renewal and planning, many Nigerians are finding it increasingly difficult to remain optimistic in the face of deepening hardship.
He said, “Life has become more precarious in our nation as the toll of economic reforms and insecurity continues to rise.
“That the situation had been compounded by what he described as a political leadership that appeared insensitive to the daily struggles of ordinary citizens.”
Kachikwu likened the current suffering of Nigerians to the biblical ordeal of the Israelites in Egypt, warning that policies which worsen economic pain could leave a lasting negative legacy for the present administration.
He acknowledged that President Tinubu inherited a fragile economy that required urgent intervention. Still, he argued that the implementation of reforms had placed excessive burdens on citizens who were meant to be the ultimate beneficiaries of recovery efforts.
“Any reasonable Nigerian understands that upon assumption of office, our President was confronted with a comatose economy that needed urgent surgery, but this surgery has now decapitated the legs and arms of Nigerians,” he said.
The former ADC flag bearer criticised the proposed tax reforms, insisting that an already overstretched populace could not withstand additional taxation, particularly in an environment where many Nigerians feel government revenues are not translating into improved public services.
He warned that further taxes would accelerate the erosion of the middle class, noting that many families now bear high costs for private education, healthcare and other basic services due to the collapse of public institutions.
“My fear is that if implemented as promised by our President, the tax reforms will instigate a crisis of unprecedented proportions in our nation, which no one can afford, especially with our current security challenges,” Kachikwu warned.
He urged President Tinubu to place greater emphasis on care, compassion and support for struggling Nigerians, stressing that such an approach would better reflect the ideals of the administration’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’.
While noting that he had previously applauded some of the President’s bold initiatives, Kachikwu said he could not support any reform that further undermined the livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians.
“He cannot champion a ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ while at the same time cutting short the hopes of Nigerians,” he said, calling for policies that would sustain hope and ease hardship for citizens in 2026.
