Tinubu’s reforms are unavoidable— Orji Kalu

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia-North has expressed confidence that President Tinubu’s economic reforms will yield positive outcomes.

Speaking during a New Year’s visit to Chief Daniel Eke, a former Abia governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kalu highlighted the necessity of overhauling Nigeria’s outdated laws, some over a century old, to align with global economic realities.

Praising Tinubu’s tax reform efforts, Kalu described them as bold but noted the need for broader consultations, but criticized the lack of public education on the reforms’ benefits, stating that proper orientation could have mitigated resistance.

“For Nigeria to progress like China, the 36 states must compete in productivity,” Kalu argued. “No state in Nigeria is poor; each is equally endowed. Competition will drive development and resource optimization, just as it has in China, which has sustained a 10% growth rate for 35 years.”

Acknowledging the economic hardships Nigerians face, Kalu assured citizens that these challenges are temporary. “President Tinubu is aware of the people’s struggles, and I am optimistic that 2025 will bring tangible benefits from these reforms,” he stated.

Reaffirming his dedication to his people, Kalu pledged continued efforts to deliver economic and infrastructural dividends to his constituents. “I left my multimillion-dollar private ventures to serve my people as Senator. This duty is sacred, and I will never compromise,” he concluded.

The Tax Reforms Bill introduced by President Tinubu’s administration has sparked significant controversy, primarily due to its perceived lack of public consultation and inadequate education on its implications.

Critics argue that the government failed to sufficiently engage stakeholders and educate citizens on the potential benefits of the reform before its implementation. This has led to widespread skepticism, with many Nigerians viewing the bill as an additional financial burden in an already challenging economic environment marked by inflation and high living costs.