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By Lizzy Chirkpi
As Nigeria moves toward the full implementation of its newly introduced tax reforms in 2026, public reaction has been marked by anxiety, frustration and deep mistrust. Across the country, Nigerians are expressing fears about how the new tax regime will affect their already strained livelihoods amid rising inflation and living costs.
From concerns over unexpected deductions to widespread confusion about tax obligations, the reforms have sparked heated debate both online and offline. When Pointblanknews.com took to the streets to gauge public opinion, it became clear that a significant gap exists between government intentions and public understanding of the new laws.
Many Nigerians say they are worried about how the new tax structure will affect their salaries, business income and everyday expenses. Despite repeated assurances from authorities, fears of sudden or unexplained deductions persist.
One viral post captured the mood succinctly: “That first tax deduction next month go hit you like sledgehammer.”
Such messages have fueled panic, even as tax officials and fact-checkers insist that there will be no surprise debits on personal bank accounts or automatic levies simply for owning an account.
Authorities have repeatedly clarified that the reforms do not introduce taxes on personal savings, remittances or family support funds. However, misinformation continues to spread rapidly online, often outpacing official communication.
A recurring concern is uncertainty over who is required to pay taxes, particularly among informal workers, small business owners and individuals who have never filed tax returns.
Some Nigerians told Pointblanknews.com that they had previously encountered unexpected tax demands, penalties or fines when registering businesses, describing the process as stressful and poorly explained. Others said they were unsure whether allowances, remittances or financial support from relatives could be classified as taxable income.
While analysts argue that the new framework raises the income threshold for taxation—meaning many low-income earners may pay less or no tax at all—this message has yet to resonate widely.
A few online contributors attempted to explain the progressive tax bands, noting similarities with systems in advanced economies. Still, many emphasised that transparency and trust are lacking.
One of the strongest criticisms centres on public education. Many Nigerians say awareness of the reforms has been inadequate, overly technical and confusing.
Student groups, including the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), have faulted the government’s sensitisation efforts, arguing that large segments of the population remain unclear about what the new tax laws mean for them.
Speaking with Pointblanknews.com, Hassana Abu, who works with a private organisation in Gwarinpa, Abuja, expressed uncertainty and concern.
“I don’t understand what these new tax laws are all about. There was not enough awareness. I also don’t understand how the laws benefit ordinary Nigerians. A lot of people are saying there will be deductions from our bank transactions, especially salaries. I work with a private firm let month-end come first. When salary is paid, I will know. For now, I don’t know anything about the law,” she said.
Critics also argue that the government’s heavy reliance on digital platforms for public engagement excludes rural communities and Nigerians who are not active online. Although officials and tax experts have used media appearances to counter misinformation, many citizens insist the outreach has not been broad, simple or inclusive enough.
Beyond confusion, distrust of government motives looms large. Many Nigerians view the reforms as unfair or poorly timed, given widespread economic hardship.
While sampling opinions on the streets, Ngozi Okoro voiced this frustration bluntly:“Taxing people living in darkness and struggling to provide basic amenities practically everything themselves is legalized stealing.”
Others questioned transparency and accountability. Justice Chinedu demanded greater openness, saying:“FIRS/NRS should release the MoU signed with France. Nigerians that want to pay tax need to see it. What are you hiding?”
Allegations of questionable deductions also surfaced online. One user, @omohismail, alleged misconduct:
“So what happened to our office account is all about tax… you guys used CBN to mop ₦3.5 billion. It’s nothing but gross misconduct.”
For many Nigerians, the debate is no longer theoretical. Some say they are already feeling the impact through higher charges on goods and services.
A social media user shared an experience after dining out:
“We went to Ileyan to eat; our bill was ₦181,000, but we were asked to pay an extra ₦23,000—7.5% VAT and 5% consumption tax. In the end, we paid ₦203,625. Is this how we will be paying when we buy and sell?”
Similarly, Abuja resident Torkwase Agena recounted her experience to Pointblanknews.com:
“On 2 January 2026, I took my children swimming at a recreational park in Abuja. The fee was ₦15,000, but ₦16,800 was deducted. I was told it covered Federal Government and FCT taxes. No one could clearly explain why I had to pay both or how the amount was calculated.”
Such accounts have heightened fears of overlapping or poorly explained indirect taxes. Legal and economic experts warn that multiple taxation of businesses often ends up burdening consumers.
Lawyer Rita Iorbo explained:
“We’re going to be confronted with both direct and indirect taxes. Once government taxes businesses multiple times, owners will build it into prices, and end users will pay. Terrible times.”
Despite the criticism, a minority of Nigerians hold more neutral or cautiously optimistic views. Some believe the reforms could simplify Nigeria’s historically complex tax system and potentially ease the burden on low-income earners if properly implemented.
However, the dominant public mood remains one of fear, scepticism and frustration.
Officials continue to insist that many public fears—such as taxes on personal bank accounts or remittances—are unfounded. Yet the absence of clear, accessible and sustained communication has allowed misinformation to flourish.
One X user, @adeboye_mu60, observed:“Some of the people protesting against the new tax can’t explicitly explain their grievance or disapproval with the tax content.”
In summary, Nigerians’ reactions to the 2026 tax reforms remain deeply polarised. While some see potential long-term benefits, many feel poorly informed, economically threatened and distrustful of the government’s ability to implement the laws fairly and transparently. Until clearer nationwide sensitisation, transparency and accountability measures are put in place, public anxiety over taxation is unlikely to subside.
Notably, several Nigerians told Pointblanknews.com that they were barely aware of the new laws at all—underscoring persistent concerns that public education has fallen short in explaining both the merits and implications of the reforms.