Senator Ireti Kingibe has warned Nigerians about a possible increase in their tax burden after the 2027 general election, claiming that a policy requiring citizens to pay 25 per cent of their earnings in tax has already been passed by the National Assembly.
Kingibe made the allegation in a recent video while addressing her supporters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
She expressed concern that many Nigerians were unaware of the policy and suggested that its implementation could be delayed until after the next general election.
According to the senator, the timing of the proposed implementation could have serious implications for Nigerians already struggling with the high cost of living, rising prices of goods and services, and declining purchasing power.
“They passed the policy, but fear won’t let them implement it until after the elections,” she said.
The senator further claimed that the tax measure had passed through the National Assembly and would take effect after the election.
She warned that citizens could face financial pressure if the policy was implemented as she described it.
“Nigerians are not aware that a tax law has been passed, which requires everyone to pay 25% of their earnings as tax. The National Assembly has already passed this law, and it will swing into action after the election,” Kingibe said.
Her comment have raised questions about the country’s tax reforms, the actual provisions of the law she referenced, and the possible impact of future tax changes on workers, business owners and other income earners.
However, the specific legislation she referred to, including the provision allegedly requiring all Nigerians to pay 25 per cent of their earnings, would need to be identified and verified against the enacted tax laws before her claim could be treated as an established fact.
The new tax framework has already taken effect, however, and the claim that every Nigerian will pay 25 per cent of their earnings after the 2027 election does not reflect the published tax rates.
Under the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, which took effect on January 1, 2026, personal income tax is calculated using a progressive system.
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 the 25 per cent rate is not a flat tax imposed on every Nigerian’s earnings. The distinction is important as citizens seek clarity about their obligations under the new tax regime.
The Federal Government has maintained that the reforms are intended to simplify tax administration, improve compliance and create a more progressive system.
The new framework also provides relief for low-income earners, including those whose annual taxable income falls within the tax-free threshold.
Kingibe’s comments come at a time when taxation, household income and the rising cost of living remain important issues for Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general election.
Her warning is likely to draw further attention to how the new laws are being explained to the public and whether taxpayers understand the changes affecting them.
Nonetheless, the senator’s allegation that the implementation of the policy is being delayed until after the election also raises questions about the basis for that claim, given that the new tax framework commenced in January 2026.
