ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed on Monday that tax reforms are permanent and non-negotiable. The President also ruled out any possibility of reducing the size of his government.
During his first Presidential Media Chat in Lagos, Tinubu addressed questions on governance costs and calls for an extended timeline for implementing tax reforms. He dismissed the idea of delays, arguing that critics would never find enough time satisfactory.
“Tax reform is here to stay. We cannot continue with outdated methods in our economy; we can’t rebuild this economy using old, ineffective practices,” Tinubu said. “The essence of these reforms is to eliminate colonial-era assumptions from our tax system.”
Reflecting on his tenure as governor of Lagos State, he said, “I remember the challenges I faced and what I left behind. Lagos has grown substantially since then, with incredible real estate value. We need to factor in all of these elements in our economic calculations.”
When reminded that critics believe the tax reform process is rushed and requires more dialogue, the President disagreed. “Every tax system faces criticism; without complaints, it’s not really a tax. The reforms are pro-poor. The vulnerable will not be taxed. We aim to widen the tax net to create a bigger economic pie that everyone can share,” he explained.
He added, “Consultation is endless. Good leadership is about making timely decisions. I was elected to govern, and that’s what I’m doing to the best of my ability. I’m focused on what Nigeria needs. It may not be ideal for everyone, but we are ushering in a new era.”
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Regarding the size of his cabinet, Tinubu stood firm: “I will not reduce my cabinet. Each member has a specific role and contributes effectively. Nigeria is a large nation. If you need to cater to over 200 million people, you require an appropriately sized team. Efficiency and effectiveness are our guiding principles.”
When asked if his cabinet members are adding value, Tinubu responded confidently, “Show me one who isn’t, and I’ll challenge you on it.”
