Former APC national chairman and current Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, has made a strong case for the Nigerian government to stop imposing excise duties on goods manufactured within the country, citing the need to encourage local production and industrial growth.
The Core of Oshiomhole's Argument
During a Senate plenary session on November 12, 2025, which was captured in a trending video, Oshiomhole passionately explained that it fundamentally does not make sense to tax products like beer that are produced locally. He questioned the logic of the government preaching industrialization while simultaneously burdening the very manufacturers trying to build it with taxes.
The senator did, however, acknowledge that there should be exceptions. He specifically pointed to goods like tobacco, which has been scientifically confirmed to cause cancer, as items that could justifiably remain subject to excise duty.
Public Backing for the Senator's Stance
Oshiomhole's position has sparked significant reactions from Nigerians online, with many expressing support for his economic reasoning.
Kator Kartaa described it as "one of the most sensible economic positions I’ve heard from a Senator in a while". He highlighted the existing challenges Nigerian manufacturers face, including poor infrastructure, inconsistent power supply, and high import duties on raw materials. He argued that adding more taxes only serves to discourage local production further, suggesting that incentives like tax breaks would be more beneficial.
Similarly, Engr. Ogbeh supported the view, calling it a sensible means of inspiring more production. Another commenter, Oladele, emphatically agreed, stating, "Spot on, Sen. Oshiomhole! No nation grows by punishing its own producers. Support made-in-Nigeria, grow Nigeria."
A Note of Caution on Tax Exemptions
Not all reactions were entirely in favor of a full exemption. A user named Bariagara offered a more measured perspective, noting that while the idea is a nice soundbite, it may not be entirely realistic. "The government must raise revenue, and the manufacturing sector can't be exempt. The point isn't no tax; it's fair tax," the user explained. This highlights the ongoing debate between fostering economic growth and securing necessary government revenue.
The former Edo state governor's argument adds a significant voice to the national conversation on taxation policy and its role in either stimulating or stifling Nigeria's industrial sector.
