The Presidency has dismissed allegations by former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, describing his comments on Nigeria’s new tax laws as misleading and untrue.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, accused Amaechi of spreading what he called “egregious lies” about the Tax Act.
The controversy followed a viral video in which Amaechi warned Nigerians of dire economic consequences if the ruling All Progressives Congress retains power in the 2027 general elections.
In the video, Amaechi alleged that the tax law would impose severe financial burdens on citizens.
“By January next year, February next year, all of you will be in trouble if APC wins.
“Immediately after the election, APC will implement the tax law. The tax law is if I pay you 100 million Naira for your building materials, automatically 25 million will leave your account.
“If you are a landlord and building a house, you will charge 25% extra because you won’t bear it alone; you will transfer it to the person who buys or rents. If the man who rented the house is a doctor, he will do what? Charge more. If he’s a carpenter, he will do the same… This affects everybody, not just you,” he said.
Amaechi, who joined the opposition African Democratic Congress in 2025, also questioned the timing of the policy’s implementation.
“If you say it’s a lie, go to your lawyer. Ask your son, if he’s a lawyer, explain to me what is this tax law.
“Why is Tinubu not implementing it now? He’s waiting to finish the election so that you don’t punish him,” he added.
He further urged Nigerians to participate actively in the electoral process, warning of the broader implications of the tax reforms.
“It’s about you. It’s about your children. You will not have money to pay school fees… If you want to survive, don’t look at my face; whether you like me or not, it is immaterial. It is about your future,” Amaechi said.
Responding, Onanuga took to his official platform to counter the claims.
“Rotimi Amaechi caught spreading egregious lies about the Tax Act. The former minister, governor, has really slipped so low, misleading people about the law,” he wrote.
He added, “Is this blatant falsehood a foretaste of ADC campaign strategy during the campaign for 2027 election?”
The tax laws, which took effect on January 1, 2026, were signed into law in June 2025.
They consolidate more than 70 existing taxes, rename the Federal Inland Revenue Service to the Nigeria Revenue Service, and introduce provisions including digital asset taxation.
While critics argue that the reforms may increase pressure on low-income earners, government officials maintain that the measures are designed to streamline the tax system and promote long-term economic stability.
The Sun
