By ANA Media Team
Against the background of Federal Government’s new tax reforms, the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) is worried over the burden of the taxes on Nigerians and therefore called on the Federal Government to review the policy. In a press statement jointly issued by the President of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Dr. Usman Oladipo Akanbi, and the General Secretary, Dame Joan Oji (PhD) and made available to newsmen, the Association said the Federal Government’s recently introduced series of fresh taxes on Nigerians, if not reviewed, could significantly increase the financial burden on Nigerians and further weaken the country’s already fragile economic situation.
The body said the timing and scope of the tax reforms are likely to impose additional strain on the average Nigerian, many of whom are already struggling with rising living costs and declining purchasing power. According to ANA, the prevailing economic conditions, marked by high inflation, unemployment, and widespread economic uncertainty, have made the introduction of multiple new taxes particularly not to be in the interest of Nigerians.
Part of the statement reads:“… rather than easing economic pressures, the reforms risk deepening hardship for individuals, families, and small businesses across the country.” According to the body, the idea being expressed in the statement reflects the collective stance of Nigerian writers and intellectuals who remain deeply concerned about the social and economic wellbeing of the nation and called on the federal government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to exercise restraint and undertake a thorough review of the new tax reforms.
The association urged the government to carefully assess the real-life impact of these policies and ensure that fiscal decisions do not further compound the hardship faced by citizens just as the body advocated for a comprehensive and inclusive dialogue with key stakeholders, including labour unions, civil society organisations, professional bodies, and the private sector before implementing the reforms.
“ANA further implored the Federal Government to prioritise policies that promote economic stability, job creation, and social welfare, expressing confidence that a balanced approach to revenue generation would lead to improved living conditions and renewed hope for the average Nigerian.”, the statement concluded.