By Peter Dansu A prominent Badagry social commentator, Babajide Akran, has raised strong concerns over the Federal Government’s proposed t...
By Peter Dansu
A prominent Badagry social commentator, Babajide Akran, has raised strong concerns over the Federal Government’s proposed tax reform, warning that its timing could inflame public frustration and potentially spark a new wave of nationwide protests under the banner #EndTaxReform.
Akran, known for his influential online presence and bold civic commentary, in a new Facebook post on Monday argued that while the head of the Presidential Committee on Tax Reform, Taiwo Oyedele, is highly respected for his expertise, even well-designed policies can fail if introduced at the wrong moment.
According to him, Nigerians are still grappling with the heavy economic shocks that followed fuel subsidy removal and persistent currency instability. With the naira struggling, inflation rising, and household expenses climbing beyond the reach of many families, Akran believes the country is in no condition to absorb another potentially disruptive policy.
He described the proposed tax framework—particularly fears that personal bank accounts might face direct deductions—as a spark capable of igniting a public outcry.
He noted that the country is gradually approaching the 2026 election season, even if formal campaigns have not begun. In his view, introducing a sensitive policy at a time when millions of young Nigerians rely on digital hustles, small businesses, fintech transactions, betting, crypto, and other side jobs for survival could be politically disastrous.
Akran stressed that Gen Z and young workers guard their earnings closely and are quick to mobilize online. A poorly communicated tax reform, he warned, might trigger mass social media agitation capable of escalating into street protests—echoing the scale and intensity of the 2020 uprising.
He also emphasized that the wealthy would likely find alternative ways to shield their funds, while ordinary Nigerians—those who struggle to earn even modest monthly income—would bear the brunt of the policy’s immediate impact.
In his analysis, the gap between policy design and the everyday realities of citizens remains wide. He acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s vision for economic restructuring but insisted that no reform, no matter how beneficial, should be introduced without adequate public sensitization.
Akran advised the government to devote at least 18 months to nationwide engagement—through town hall meetings, radio awareness, community outreach, social media education, and collaboration with religious and community leaders—before rolling out a policy of such magnitude.
He suggested that 2027 or 2028 may be a more suitable timeline, by which the economy may have stabilized, inflation reduced, and public confidence restored.
Rushing the policy now, he warned, could turn a potentially useful economic reform into what he described as a “political coffin,” stressing that timing is everything.
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