A chieftain of the Labour Party (LP) in Osun State, Gideon Aloba, has called on the Federal Government to demonstrate transparency and accountability in the management of public resources before proceeding with the implementation of the new tax laws scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026.
Aloba warned that any administration which fails to properly account for public funds lacks the moral authority to impose additional tax obligations on citizens. He argued that Nigerians should not be compelled to pay more taxes without first being shown clearly and convincingly how existing revenues are being utilised.
The LP stalwart, who was the party’s House of Representatives candidate for the Ijesa South Federal Constituency in the 2023 general election, made his position known in a statement shared with Saturday PUNCH. In the statement, he urged the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the new tax regime until it can demonstrate openness and responsibility in the management of public finances.
According to Aloba, the worsening socio-economic conditions in the country make the proposed tax changes particularly concerning. He said the hardship faced by ordinary Nigerians—driven by inflation, rising living costs and economic uncertainty—must be carefully considered before introducing policies that could further strain household incomes.
“The Nigerian people must not be made to feel, once again, that their collective labour exists only to fund the extravagant lifestyles of the political elite,” Aloba said. “We therefore demand that the Federal Government open its financial books and make public all expenditures before proceeding with the implementation of the new tax regime.”
He stressed that governance cannot be effective or credible when conducted in secrecy, especially at a time when citizens already burdened by economic hardship are being asked to contribute more to the public purse.
Aloba further stated that Nigerians are not opposed to paying taxes in principle, but insisted that trust must first be established. According to him, taxpayers deserve a clear, honest and comprehensive account of how public funds are spent before any new fiscal demands are placed on them.
He added that while developed countries often rely heavily on taxation to fund public services, such systems are built on transparency, accountability and prudent use of resources—standards he said Nigerian leaders must also uphold.
“The standards of tax discipline expected from citizens must be matched by equal responsibility, prudence and accountability from those in leadership,” he said.
Aloba maintained that without visible improvements in governance, infrastructure and social services, the introduction of new taxes would only deepen public distrust and resentment. He urged the Federal Government and its agencies to rebuild confidence by demonstrating that public resources are managed in the collective interest of all Nigerians, not a privileged few.
