By Seun Ibukun-Oni
Former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Dr. Sam Amadi, has faulted the Federal Government’s proposed tax reforms, warning that poorly designed taxation could worsen poverty, weaken economic growth, and erode public trust.
Speaking at a policy roundtable in Abuja, Dr. Amadi said the suspension of the tax measures was justified, citing constitutional, legal, and economic concerns.
He stressed that taxation must follow due process and be rooted in value delivery to citizens, not merely revenue generation.
Dr. Amadi warned that increasing taxes in a low-income, high-inflation economy could shrink the tax base, discourage productivity, and deepen multidimensional poverty.
He also cautioned that heavy taxation of the middle class would indirectly harm the poor, noting that many Nigerians rely on informal support systems due to the absence of social security.
While acknowledging efforts by the Tinubu administration to expand fiscal space, he questioned whether increased revenue has translated into improved human development, accountability, or economic growth.
He called for a balanced public finance approach that prioritises productivity, prudent spending, transparency, and social welfare, urging broader stakeholder involvement in tax policy formulation.
