By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Vice President Kashim Shettima has robustly defended the Federal Government’s new tax reforms, insisting they are structured to improve livelihoods and reduce poverty, not impoverish Nigerian citizens. He spoke in Abuja at the State House on March 4, 2026, addressing an interfaith breaking of fast ceremony for Ramadan and Lent on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Shettima told attendees (including members of the Federal Executive Council, the Central Bank governor, senior advisers, and heads of government agencies) that the reforms are carefully designed to end multiple levies on small businesses and low‑income earners, streamline the tax system, and lift many Nigerians out of poverty without adding financial burdens.
Amid criticism from political detractors who claim the reforms will harm ordinary citizens, Shettima urged officials to educate the public on the true goals of the reforms, emphasising that eliminating overlapping taxes will make the economy more inclusive.
He highlighted associated economic gains from the broader reform agenda, such as improved foreign exchange reserves, streamlined exchange rates and the removal of fuel subsidy, which he said have contributed to an economic rebound.
The vice president’s message reinforced the government’s stance that under the #RenewedHopeAgenda, tax reform is meant to ease burdens and foster sustainable growth, not deepen hardship.
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