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: Presidency
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Presidency Rebuts Allegations of Looming 25% Post-Election Tax Hike
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Presidency pushes back on KPMG critique of new tax laws, says reforms are deliberate
Reporting by Vanguard indicates the Presidency has rejected elements of a KPMG critique of Nigeria’s new tax laws, insisting the reforms were designed with specific policy trade-offs in mind.
The report suggests the government is trying to calm uncertainty for businesses and investors, especially around implementation details, compliance costs, and transitional arrangements.
Analysts say pushback alone won’t settle concerns; what matters is clarity—guidelines, timelines, dispute-resolution pathways, and how enforcement will be applied to SMEs and large corporates.
Businesses will be watching for harmonisation to reduce multiple taxation and for improvements in tax administration to curb arbitrary charges.
Echotitbits take: This is a credibility moment. Watch for implementing regulations and whether revenue agencies standardise processes—or whether the old ‘multiple levies’ problem persists.
Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/presidency-rebuts-kpmgs-claims-on-new-tax-laws-defends-reform-choices-2/ 11 January 2026
Vanguard 2026-01-11
Photo Credit: Vanguard
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Tinubu heads to Europe ahead of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week trip
2025-12-28 09:00:00
In an update published by Channels Television, the Presidency said President Bola Tinubu departed Lagos for Europe to continue his end-of-year break, ahead of an official trip to Abu Dhabi for ADSW 2026 in early January.The trip is being framed as part of Nigeria’s engagement with global sustainability, innovation and finance conversations, with Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week positioned as a convening point for government, business and civil society.
A State House statement echoed the itinerary and purpose, saying the President left for Europe ahead of the Abu Dhabi engagement and noting the summit theme and timing.
The messaging emphasises schedule and participation rather than announcing any immediate domestic policy actions tied to the travel.
Channels quoted a Presidency statement that Tinubu would continue “his end-of-year break… ahead of his official trip to Abu Dhabi,” while the State House said he “departed Lagos… for Europe” ahead of the summit.
Echotitbits take: If Abuja wants value from ADSW, outcomes should be measurable—climate-finance pipelines, project partnerships or investment commitments. Watch for what Nigeria returns with, beyond summit optics.
Source: The Punch — December 28, 2025
The Punch 2025-12-28Photo Credit: The Punch
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ADC asks Tinubu to halt tax reforms amid claims final law was altered
Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-20 09:00:00Reporting by Punch indicates the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is demanding a suspension of Nigeria’s newly introduced tax laws, alleging that key sections were changed after National Assembly passage and presidential assent.
The party frames the claim as a constitutional issue—arguing that post-assent changes would undermine legislative process and separation of powers.
ADC says it wants a full investigation to determine who handled the alleged edits and whether prosecution should follow if wrongdoing is established.
Daily Post said the ADC urged suspension over “alleged forged provisions,” while TheCable’s coverage captured ADC’s warning that “It is time to rethink our tax laws.”
Echotitbits take:
Whether proven or not, legitimacy is everything for compliance. Watch for certified “as-passed” copies, side-by-side comparisons with gazetted versions, and clear implementation guidance before take-off.Source: Punch — December 20, 2025 (https://punchng.com/adc-demands-suspension-of-tax-laws-over-modification-allegations/)
Punch 2025-12-20 -
DSS: We’re Not Involved in Na’abba’s Invitation, Presidency Clarifies
The President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government Monday distanced itself from the allegations that it’s the brain behind the invitation extended to the former Speaker of House of Representatives, Ghali Na’Abba, by the Department of State Service on account of his alleged comments at the President.
Na’bba was invited by DSS for questioning, four days after he made critical comments about the Buhari administration.
The former speaker, who is also a co-chairman of the newly formed National Consultative Front (NCFront), had, in a television broadcast, described Nigeria as a failed state, listing unemployment, insecurity, economic hardship as some of the factors which indicated that the present government “is incompetent.”
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But, Buhari, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said preliminary feedback indicated that Na’bba’s invitation was in no way connected to his utterances regarding the state of affairs of the country.
The statement reads in part: “The Presidency distances itself from the allegations that it has anything to do with the invitation extended to Ghali Na’Abba by the Department of State Service on account of his alleged comments at President Buhari.
“Preliminary feedback received by the Presidency seem to indicate that the invitation of Umar Ghali Na’Abba, was in no way connected to his utterances regarding the state of affairs of the country. Mr. President realises the value of having an active opposition party having emerged through that process as well.
“Mr. President has consistently made it his wish to deliver an electoral process that is free and fair that ensures that the electorate are given a free hand for their votes to count. Anything short of such a process would be counter-productive.
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“As the nation continues to pull together to confront this common enemy that has no regard for race, religion, language or ethnic grouping, we once again encourage citizens to engage in discourses that can help support our vision of a United Nigeria, that maintains food security. secures it citizens and provides a pipeline of opportunities to our teeming youthful population.”
Idowu Sowunmi
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President Buhari may appoint ex-Minister, Gambari as Chief of Staff
There are speculations that a former Minister of External Affairs, Professor Ibrahim Gambari is set to be appointed as Chief of Staff (CoS) to President Muhammad Buhari, a vital position within the seat of power that has remained vacant since the death of Abba Kyari in April.
President Muhammadu Buhari (r); Ex Minister of External Affairs, Ibrahim Gambari While the Presidency is yet to give any concrete information on Gambari’s choice as the new CoS, a source close to government in Abuja said that the appointment is true but would be disclosed by President Buhari at the Federal Executive Council meeting, which will hold virtually for the first time on Wednesday.
However, moments after the speculation circulated, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu was reported by Daily Post to have responded to clarification by simply texting “I have not been briefed”.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu Professor Gambari served as the Minister for External Affairs between 1984 and 1985.