The Young Progressives Party (YPP) has urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and demand accountability from their leaders as the country prepares for a new tax regime due to commence in 2026. In a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Egbeola Wale Martins, the party extended New Year greetings while warning that increased revenue without transparency would deepen public mistrust and hardship.
Nigeria new tax law raises transparency questions
YPP said the anticipated widening of the tax net could significantly boost government revenue, but warned that higher receipts would be counter-productive if not matched by clear, prudent management of public funds. “Increased revenue without transparency, accountability and prudence will only deepen public mistrust and hardship,” the party said, urging citizens to closely scrutinise public spending.
The party emphasised that Nigerians are not opposed to paying taxes, but are deeply concerned about reckless and opaque expenditure. It listed examples it described as unacceptable uses of public money, including religious pilgrimages funded by state coffers, purchases of private jets and yachts, and procurement of luxury vehicles for some public officials.
YPP called on the government to resolve all discrepancies associated with the new tax law before implementation. The party said those responsible for financial irregularities must be investigated and held to account in accordance with the law.
Alongside fiscal concerns, the party renewed calls for a forensic audit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to examine reports of an unaccounted $40 billion. “This staggering sum is almost equivalent to Nigeria’s foreign reserves and must be treated with the utmost urgency, transparency and seriousness in the national interest,” the statement said.
On the rule of law, YPP warned strongly against the weaponisation of anti-corruption agencies. It argued that the fight against corruption must be impartial and devoid of political bias, adding that selective justice undermines institutions and erodes public confidence in governance.
The party also addressed national security and commended recent operations aimed at tackling insecurity, including collaborative airstrikes reportedly conducted by the United States with the Nigerian Armed Forces against terrorist enclaves in Sokoto State. YPP said such actions demonstrated renewed commitment to confronting security challenges that have attracted international attention.
With elections approaching, YPP urged citizens not to be discouraged by past electoral experiences. The party called for mass mobilisation ahead of the 2027 ballot to vote out what it described as incompetent, corrupt and insensitive leadership. It stressed that democracy depends on active participation and that apathy would harm prospects for reform.
On electoral reform, YPP urged the National Assembly to consider stakeholder recommendations carefully and to ensure the speedy passage of an electoral framework that is credible and people-oriented. The party framed these reforms as essential to restoring public trust and strengthening democratic institutions.
In closing, YPP insisted that sovereignty should not translate into silence in the face of bad governance. It urged Nigerians to ask critical questions, demand answers and hold leaders to account as the country navigates fiscal and security challenges ahead of the new tax regime.
Key Takeaways:
- YPP urges Nigerians to demand transparency and accountability ahead of the Nigeria new tax law expected in 2026.
- The party calls for a forensic audit of the NNPC over an alleged $40bn discrepancy and warns against politicising anti-corruption agencies.
- YPP stresses voter mobilisation ahead of 2027 elections and urges swift resolution of tax law discrepancies before implementation.
