ABUJA — Senator Ireti Kingibe has raised concerns over Nigeria’s tax reforms, claiming that a law requiring Nigerians to pay 25 per cent of their earnings in tax has already been passed and could affect citizens under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in 2027.
Kingibe made the claim in a video circulating online, warning that the alleged tax burden could place additional financial pressure on Nigerians already grappling with the rising cost of living and declining purchasing power.
The senator’s remarks have triggered questions about the scope of the government’s tax reforms, the applicable tax rates and the potential implications for workers, business owners and households as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
Her warning also brings renewed attention to the political debate surrounding the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, particularly taxation and the extent to which the reforms could affect ordinary citizens.
However, the claim that every Nigerian will be required to pay 25 per cent of their earnings in tax needs to be distinguished from the actual provisions of the relevant legislation. Personal income tax rates generally depend on statutory rules and individual circumstances; a headline figure alone does not establish that every citizen will pay that rate.
The controversy underscores the importance of public access to clear explanations of tax legislation, including who is liable, the income thresholds involved, applicable rates, exemptions and when particular provisions take effect.
With the 2027 elections approaching, the tax debate is likely to remain part of the wider national discussion about economic reforms, household welfare and the government’s fiscal policies.
The Nigeria Tax Act 2025, which took effect on 1 January 2026, sets out progressive personal income tax rates, rather than a flat 25 per cent tax on every Nigerian’s earnings. Under its Fourth Schedule, the first ₦800,000 of taxable income is taxed at 0%, while the 25% rate applies to taxable income above ₦50 million, after applicable reliefs and exemptions.
