25% tax claim: Kingibe raises alarm over post-2027 election burden

Senator Ireti Kingibe has raised concerns over what she described as a possible increase in Nigerians’ tax burden after the 2027 general election, alleging that a policy requiring citizens to pay 25 per cent of their earnings in tax has been passed by the National Assembly.

Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), made the allegation in a recent video while addressing her supporters, warning that the policy could worsen the economic difficulties facing Nigerians.

She expressed concern that many citizens were unaware of the alleged measure and suggested that its implementation was being delayed until after the next general election.

“They passed the policy, but fear won’t let them implement it until after the elections,” she said.

The senator warned that any additional tax burden could further strain households and businesses already contending with rising prices of goods and services, high living costs and declining purchasing power.

However, the claim that every Nigerian would pay 25 per cent of their earnings in tax does not reflect the provisions of the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, which came into effect on January 1, 2026.

Under the new tax framework, personal income tax is calculated using a progressive system, with different rates applying to different income brackets.

The first N800,000 of taxable income is taxed at zero per cent, while the highest rate of 25 per cent applies to taxable income above N50 million. Other income bands attract rates of 15, 18, 21 and 23 per cent.

This means that the 25 per cent rate is not a flat tax imposed on the earnings of every Nigerian, while the framework provides tax relief for qualifying low-income earners.

The Federal Government has maintained that the reforms are designed to simplify tax administration, improve compliance and establish a more progressive tax system.

Kingibe’s comments come amid continuing public debate over taxation, household income and the rising cost of living as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general election.

Meanwhile, her allegation that implementation of the measure is being delayed until after the election could not be independently established from the information available. The tax framework she appears to be referring to has already taken effect.

The controversy highlights the need for clear public communication on the new tax laws to enable Nigerians to understand their obligations and distinguish the applicable tax rates from claims circulating in the political space.