By Peter.
Ogun State PDP chieftain and convener of The Alternative Movement, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has strongly backed the Federal Government’s upcoming tax reforms, dismissing opposition as “shameless propaganda” and “alarmism.”
In a statement issued on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, Showunmi argued that the reforms—set to commence January 1, 2026—are aligned with global best practices and essential for fiscal sustainability. He compared them to successful overhauls in countries like Rwanda, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, and India (GST), where initial resistance gave way to stronger revenue and investor confidence.
Showunmi lambasted the National Opposition Movement (NOM)—a coalition including figures from various parties, labour, and civil society—for offering “no credible alternative” beyond “selective outrage and political nostalgia.” He accused NOM leaders of being “recycled, past-their-shelf-life” politicians who should focus on elections rather than obstructing progress.
This comes in direct response to NOM’s Abuja briefing on the same day, where they branded the reforms “punitive,” “ill-timed,” and an “assault on ordinary Nigerians” amid hardships from subsidy removal, naira float, inflation, and tariffs. NOM demanded immediate suspension, broader consultations, and a shift to taxing luxury/excess rather than the poor.
The four laws—signed by President Tinubu in June 2025—consolidate taxes, broaden the base, exempt low earners/SMEs, reduce corporate rates (to 25% eventually), and modernize administration via the new Nigeria Revenue Service. Proponents highlight reliefs (e.g., 50+ exemptions) and alignment with IMF/OECD standards, while critics fear added burdens and enforcement abuse.
Showunmi concluded: “Reform is never painless, but postponing it deepens pain for future generations. Opposition should come with facts and solutions, not theatrical despair.”
The debate underscores Nigeria’s polarized economic discourse as implementation nears.
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