ABUJA, Nigeria — The proposed inheritance tax under President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform agenda has sparked controversy.
Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido called the measure “un-Islamic,” while veteran politician Buba Galadima warned of significant political consequences if the bill becomes law.
Speaking in an interview with The Guardian, Lamido strongly opposed the proposal, arguing that it directly contradicts Islamic principles.
He urged the President to reconsider the policy, stressing that it could erode national trust and alienate religious communities.
“There is no way you can tax money that is meant for inheritance. It is illegal, against God, and against the Quran,” Lamido stated.
He explained that under Islamic law, inheritance is distributed according to divine instructions, with priority given to settling debts and ensuring rightful heirs receive their due shares.
Government interference in this process, he argued, would amount to an unjust burden on bereaved families.
Criticism of Economic Policies
Beyond the inheritance tax, Lamido criticised Tinubu’s broader economic policies, particularly the abrupt removal of fuel subsidies on May 29, 2023.
He described the decision as an act of “arrogance” that exacerbated economic hardship for Nigerians.
“Leadership requires engaging with the people, explaining decisions, and carrying citizens along. When policies are imposed without proper explanation, it breeds resentment and mistrust,” Lamido warned.
He dismissed suggestions that opposition to the tax reform should be met with threats, calling instead for dialogue and a more inclusive decision-making process.
Buba Galadima Warns of Political Fallout
Veteran northern politician Buba Galadima has also cautioned President Tinubu against pushing forward with the tax reform bills, warning of political and social consequences.
Galadima, speaking with The Guardian, highlighted the potential backlash, particularly from the northern electorate that played a decisive role in Tinubu’s electoral victory.
“I’m not God, so I can’t say for certain, but everyone knows that political issues have political consequences,” he remarked.
He questioned the necessity of imposing additional financial burdens on Nigerians already struggling with economic hardship.
“The truth is, who is the tax bill meant for? It’s for the people. If the people say, ‘It may be good for tomorrow, but now it is not good for us,’ a wise leader should pack it aside for now,” he advised.
Galadima further criticised the government’s decision-making process, arguing that it often prioritises the interests of the most vocal elite rather than addressing the needs of the broader population.
“Is this how we are going to build a nation? No, not at all,” he stated.
Concerns Over Lack of Inclusivity
Galadima accused the committee responsible for the tax bill, led by Taiwo Oyedele, of failing to consult governors from across the country.
He alleged that only the governor of Lagos State was engaged in discussions, fuelling perceptions of regional bias in the reform process.
“Every governor, apart from some from the southwest, believes the financial system of the country is controlled by one tribe. There’s suspicion that justice won’t be served, even if the intentions are good,” he claimed.
The politician also drew historical parallels, warning that Tinubu’s policies could align Nigeria with external forces that have long sought to destabilise the country.
He cited France’s alleged influence in West Africa and its historical role in attempting to divide Nigeria since the Berlin Conference of 1884.
“France has always been at the forefront of dismembering Nigeria. They failed in the past, but now they see an opportunity through Niger, and Tinubu seems to be following their lead,” Galadima said.
He also referenced the financial struggles Nigeria faced with the Paris Club under former military ruler Sani Abacha, suggesting that Tinubu’s administration risks repeating past mistakes.
Political Stakes in the North
Galadima underscored the critical role the northern region played in Tinubu’s 2023 electoral victory, subtly reminding the President of the potential electoral risks associated with unpopular policies.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Tinubu secured over six million votes from the North out of his total 8,794,726 votes nationwide—36.61% of the total votes.
By comparison, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) received 6,984,520 votes (29.07%), Peter Obi of the Labour Party garnered 6,101,533 votes (25.40%), and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) secured 1,496,687 votes (6.23%).
Galadima’s remarks appeared to serve as a veiled warning to Tinubu that alienating northern voters could have serious repercussions for his political future, particularly as the 2027 elections draw closer.
“I would also like to emphasise that this government was elected by the people from this part of the country. Why the North can criticise Tinubu’s tax bills is because this administration secured over six million votes from the North, compared to just 2.7 million from the entire South,” he stated.
“I don’t want to divide this discussion into ‘South’ and ‘North’; we should all approach these matters in clear, unified terms. If anyone from this part of the country criticises the policies of the government, it is because they have a stake in it—they contributed to its establishment.”
As the controversy over the tax reform bills continues to unfold, calls for greater transparency, inclusivity, and respect for religious and cultural sensitivities are growing.
Whether President Tinubu will heed these warnings remains to be seen, but the political stakes are increasingly high.
