A civil society organisation, the Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS), has called on the National Assembly to urgently engage the Federal Government for a review of the new tax law, warning that it could inflict greater hardship on citizens.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier in the week stated that there would be no reversal in the implementation of the new tax law.
However, the Executive Director of the organisation, Chuka Peter Okoye, in a statement issued on Thursday, cautioned that the country could experience massive job losses and the collapse of small businesses if the harsh provisions in the law are not removed.
The organisation, which described itself as a promoter of good governance and economic fairness, disagreed with the Federal Government’s claim that the new tax laws would benefit low-income earners and vulnerable groups.
According to Okoye, “Many Nigerians may grapple with rising living costs, job insecurity and social uncertainty because of the new tax law.
“It may place additional burdens on households and small businesses without sufficient safeguards for the most vulnerable.
“Taxation, while essential to governance, should be humane, constitutionally sound and designed to promote equity rather than widen inequality,” Okoye said.
The organisation further noted that meaningful reform requires engagement with citizens, the strengthening of accountability structures and ensuring that revenue policies reflect existing economic realities.
It also warned that poorly conceived fiscal measures could weaken public trust and threaten social stability.
Beyond taxation, the organisation urged renewed focus on the rule of law, responsible policing and the protection of livelihoods across all levels of government.
