Atiku Criticizes President Tinubu for VAT Hike, Accuses Him of Burdening the Poor Amid Economic Crisis

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration over its plan to increase the value-added tax (VAT) from 7.5% to 10%, describing the move as a blow to the already struggling Nigerian population. 

 Atiku, in a statement released via his X handle on Sunday, September 8, argued that this decision, coupled with rising fuel prices, would deepen the country’s economic woes and place an additional burden on the poor.

 “President Tinubu and his entourage seem to be resorting to their familiar tactic of heaping burdens upon the impoverished while steadfastly ignoring their extravagant excesses.”

Atiku stated, highlighting the government’s alleged focus on luxury for the elite, including jet acquisitions and villa renovations, while ignoring the suffering of ordinary Nigerians, including the fuel crisis.

 He further criticized Tinubu’s policies, stating they reflect “a profound insensitivity to the plight of the less fortunate.”

 Atiku emphasized that these actions come at a time when the cost of living is rising sharply and businesses, especially in the manufacturing and agricultural sectors, are suffering due to job losses and reduced output.

 He urged the government to focus on sustainable solutions rather than imposing measures that will “ignite further turmoil” in Nigeria’s fragile economy and put the people in a more terrible situation.