Senator Ireti Kingibe has raised concerns over Nigeria’s tax policies, warning that Nigerians could face significant tax obligations in 2027 and questioning whether the public has been adequately informed about the relevant legislation.
Kingibe made the remarks in a video in which she addressed voters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). She claimed that a tax policy had already been passed by the National Assembly but that its implementation was being delayed until after the 2027 general election.
According to the senator, the policy could require Nigerians to pay 25 per cent of their earnings in tax.
“They passed the policy, but fear won’t let them implement it until after the elections,” she said.
Her comments have renewed attention to the potential effects of tax reform on households and businesses at a time when many Nigerians remain concerned about living costs, purchasing power and the wider economic outlook.
What Does the 25 Per Cent Tax Claim Mean?
Kingibe’s statement requires careful examination against the provisions of Nigeria’s tax legislation.
A 25 per cent personal income tax rate does not necessarily mean that every Nigerian must surrender 25 per cent of their total earnings to the government. Under a progressive tax system, different portions of taxable income may be subject to different rates, while qualifying income may be exempt.
A fact-check published by Africa Check in September 2026 explained that the applicable personal income tax structure provides a tax-free band for the first ₦800,000 of annual taxable income, with rates increasing progressively to a maximum of 25 per cent for taxable income above ₦50 million. The maximum rate should not be confused with a universal flat tax on everyone’s earnings.
Consequently, the precise law Kingibe was referring to, the income categories covered and the implementation timetable need to be established before her warning can be treated as an accurate description of the tax obligations Nigerians will face in 2027.
Questions Over Implementation and Public Awareness
The senator’s remarks also raise questions about public communication surrounding tax reforms and whether taxpayers understand how the relevant provisions affect them.
Tax legislation can have different implications for employees, business owners, investors and other income earners. The actual amount payable depends on the applicable rules and an individual’s circumstances.
Any suggestion that implementation has deliberately been postponed until after an election would also require evidence from the legislation, government announcements or other authoritative records.
What Nigerians Need to Know
As debate over taxation continues, clear explanations from the Federal Government and relevant tax authorities will be important in helping individuals and businesses understand their obligations.
For now, Kingibe’s warning should be considered a political statement that requires comparison with the specific provisions of the law rather than proof that all Nigerians will pay 25 per cent of their earnings in 2027.