By Erewunmi Peace

As conversations around Nigeria’s economic reform deepen, two of the country’s respected financial minds—Dr. Paul Alaje and Mr. Ugo Onuoha—are set to dissect the implications of the newly introduced tax regime on citizens and the national economy.

The discourse will take center stage during the 33rd edition of the Boiling Point Arena, a high-profile online interview forum scheduled for Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 8 PM (WAT). The virtual session, which will be streamed via Zoom and broadcast across radio stations in Lagos, Ogun, and Delta states, promises an in-depth examination of the theme:
“The New Tax Regime: Can Taxation Drive Development? What is in it—and not in it—for Nigerians?”

Dr. Paul Alaje, Chief Economist at SPM Professionals, and Mr. Ugo Onuoha, former Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Champion Newspapers, will lead the conversation. Their analysis is expected to touch on the fairness, sustainability, and developmental prospects of Nigeria’s evolving tax policies.

The session is convened by Dr. Ayo Arowojolu, a seasoned journalist and media strategist, under the Boiling Point Media platform. According to Arowojolu, the forum is designed to stimulate constructive dialogue around policies affecting ordinary Nigerians, particularly at a time when the cost of living continues to rise.

“As inflation and unemployment weigh heavily on households, it is vital to ask if our new tax policies will serve as tools for economic empowerment—or further deepen inequality,” he said.

With the Federal Government’s renewed focus on internal revenue generation and reduced reliance on oil income, the forum comes at a critical time. Recent amendments to VAT, excise duties, and digital economy taxation have raised questions about their long-term impacts on small businesses, job creation, and purchasing power.

Listeners and viewers are expected to join from across the country, with interactive segments allowing real-time questions and reactions from the audience.