In an update published by Daily Post, the Nigerian Presidency has dismissed claims made by former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi regarding a purported plan to implement a 25% tax increase following the next general election. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga labeled the allegations as “egregious lies” intended to incite public fear and create political instability. The government insists there are no such provisions in the current or proposed tax laws.
The controversy erupted after a viral video showed the former minister warning citizens that an APC victory would lead to a significant tax burden on business transactions and rent. Amaechi had suggested that the government was delaying the implementation of these taxes to avoid voter backlash, urging the public to verify the “new tax law” with legal experts.
In its rebuttal, the Presidency clarified that the ongoing tax reforms are focused on simplification and efficiency rather than arbitrary increases. The administration reiterated its commitment to creating a business-friendly environment and cautioned political actors against spreading misinformation that could disrupt the economy.
The Nation corroborated the Presidency’s stance, noting that the Federal Ministry of Finance has no such 25% levy in its 2026 projections. A legal expert quoted in ThisDay stated, “There is no legislative record of a post-dated tax law of this magnitude; such claims appear to be purely speculative.” Additionally, Channels TV reported that the viral video has sparked intense debate on social media, with one analyst noting, “Political rhetoric regarding taxation must be grounded in documented policy to avoid unnecessary market panic.”
Echotitbits take: This exchange highlights the heightening political tension as the 2027 election cycle begins to loom. Expect taxation to remain a central, albeit contentious, campaign issue as both sides scramble to define the economic narrative.
Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/presidency-rebuts-kpmgs-claims-on-new-tax-laws-defends-reform-choices-2/, and February 15, 2026
Photo credit: Vanguard
Tag: misinformation
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Presidency Rebuts Allegations of Looming 25% Post-Election Tax Hike
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Oyedele says tax ID won’t be required for strictly personal bank accounts under new regime
In a clarification reported by Leadership, Taiwo Oyedele said Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) are not required for strictly personal bank accounts, pushing back against misinformation circulating around the new tax regime.
The explanation is aimed at reducing panic and preventing unnecessary barriers to everyday banking, especially for low-income users and informal-sector participants.
Policy experts stress that the real issue is how rules are implemented across banks and agencies: unclear guidance can still lead to inconsistent enforcement and customer frustration.
Stakeholders are calling for a single, authoritative implementation circular—covering thresholds, exemptions and documentation—so banks can apply requirements consistently.
Echotitbits take: The reform conversation is being distorted by misinformation. Watch for official FAQs, bank circulars and enforcement guidance—those documents will determine lived reality.
Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/oyedele-clarifies-tax-id-rules-for-bank-accounts/ 11 January 2026
The Punch 2026-01-11
Photo Credit: The Punch
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Nigeria steps up push to remove terror-linked social media accounts
Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-24 06:36:00Speaking in an end-of-year security briefing cited by Punch, Nigeria’s counter-terror coordination officials say they are working with major social media platforms to identify and take down accounts tied to terrorist recruitment, propaganda, and coordination.
Authorities argue that extremist networks have shifted tactics—from purely physical coordination to digital messaging, financing cues, and disinformation aimed at confusing communities and pressuring authorities.
The government’s focus is on disruption: removing visibility, breaking distribution networks, and reducing the “viral” spread of extremist content while investigations continue offline.
Officials also signalled the effort requires speed: platform cooperation and rapid verification are key, because terror-linked accounts can reappear under new names within hours.
TVC News reported Nigeria is “collaborating with major social media companies” to remove terror-linked accounts, while The Point similarly referenced the push to “identify and remove accounts linked to terrorist activities.”
Echotitbits take: Content takedowns are useful but not sufficient—terror networks will migrate. Watch for whether Nigeria pairs takedowns with digital evidence preservation (for prosecutions) and community-based counter-messaging to reduce recruitment pull.
Source: The Punch — December 24, 2025 (https://punchng.com/fg-orders-takedown-of-terrorists-social-media-accounts/)
The Punch 2025-12-24 -
IGP Warns Misinformation Hurts Police Reputation
Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun warned that misinformation—including recycled videos and edited images—has significantly harmed the Nigeria Police Force’s reputation.
He urged police PROs to respond faster and more professionally to false narratives to protect public trust.
Source : The Nation, 2025-12-08