Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has criticized former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi for spreading what he termed “egregious lies” concerning Nigeria’s Tax Act. This controversy arose following a viral video in which Amaechi warned that severe economic repercussions could occur if the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) remains in power after the 2027 elections.
In his statements, Amaechi outlined how the tax law could adversely affect Nigerian citizens, suggesting that it would impose heavy financial burdens on individuals and businesses alike. He claimed that if the APC wins, citizens could see a 25% tax applied directly to construction costs, which he argued would be passed on to consumers, ultimately inflating living costs and affecting daily expenses.
He questioned the government’s delay in implementing these tax measures before the elections, proposing that any potential backlash from the electorate prompted their postponement. Amaechi urged citizens to actively participate in the electoral process, stressing that the implications of this tax law could impact families’ livelihoods significantly.
In response, Onanuga denounced Amaechi’s remarks as misleading and a clear indication of the tactics being employed by the opposition, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He reiterated that the new tax laws, which took effect on January 1, 2026, aim to consolidate over 70 existing taxes and are meant to enhance long-term economic stability despite criticism regarding their potential impact on low-income earners.
The new laws, which include significant changes such as renaming the Federal Inland Revenue Service to the Nigeria Revenue Service and introducing digital asset taxation, have been a subject of heated debate among politicians and citizens alike.
