Where Our Tax Money Really Touches Us

Late last year in Nigeria, tax was one of the things the government said they would implement and will take effect right from January 1 , 2026; however, that has brought a lot of mixed feelings to a lot of people because some see it as a good thing while some see it otherwise. But personally I will just say that tax should be real if only we are going to see positive changes as to what our money is being used for.

Here, it has been stated that everyone should be putting descriptions before sending out money, and any income that is about N800k will be taxed; however, the pressure amongst people still stands because we do not know how effective this will be because this is just the first month, and if at all it becomes effective, are we going to see changes on our road that is broken, in all these hospitals that lack manpower and all the necessary equipment, and in all other sectors?

Since this has been implemented, I have been seeing lots of responses where some said that the government is not giving out work to the citizens, yet they want to be taxing the poor and all those struggling to survive. Some people have not yet said a word, and I know for sure that a lot of people will avoid paying such a tax because they feel like our government wants to cheat them. If I am being honest here, I see no need for we the citizens to pay taxes because this government is not helping us at all, and removing money from our money is basically useless. Ever since the beginning of this year, this tax conversion has been a daily discussion.

But what I believe is that if our money can be put to better use, we, the citizens, will trust the government because when the hospital is well equipped, police are doing their job adequately, there are streetlights everywhere, the electricity is constant, and schools and government organizations are not on strike, then we paying taxes will not be a problem, but when nothing changes, a lot of people will always avoid paying it.

In this country, I believe that payment of tax should be an agreement and not a cheat to make life more difficult for us. If that 15% upward that is being removed is used properly, then we, the citizens, will be happy to respond because at the end of it all, our taxes should be put to good use and not enrich the pockets of some certain people.

Thank you for reading.

_{Images created by Ai}