A Nigerian banker has sparked widespread reactions online after publicly sharing a stern warning message sent to him by a customer concerning the upcoming tax changes set for 2026. The customer's message, filled with clear threats, revolves around the impending implementation of the Tax Act 2025.
The Viral Warning Message
The banker, who uses the TikTok handle @.ikenga, posted a screenshot of the text exchange where the customer expressed deep concern. The message began with a polite "Good evening Mr Ikenga," before quickly getting to the point. The customer stated, "I hope this new I'm hearing about this tax won't affect my account," directly referencing the new tax reforms.
The warning then took a serious turn. The customer added, "If I find one naira from my account eh, your name go be sorry. No even try near estate gate that whole week." The banker captioned the post with a humorous lament, "Which kind wahala be this one again," highlighting the awkward position financial institutions might find themselves in when the new law takes effect.
Understanding the Tax Act 2025
The source of the customer's anxiety is the Tax Act 2025, a comprehensive reform of Nigeria's tax system scheduled to become operational on January 1, 2026. This legislation is designed to redefine how both individuals and businesses calculate and pay their taxes in the coming year.
While the specific details of the so-called "Family and Relationships Tax" are not elaborated in the viral post, the customer's strong reaction suggests significant apprehension among the public about potential deductions or new tax liabilities that could be automatically processed through bank accounts.
Public Reactions to the Banker's Dilemma
The shared warning message triggered a flood of comments from netizens, many siding with the customer's protective stance over his finances. User Karimot Kareem advised, "No try near estate gate ooo," echoing the customer's specific threat. Arubasa Victory humorously extended the warning, commenting, "No just near the estate next year."
Other comments reflected a general sentiment of frustration with bank charges. User ayubatamar shared a personal experience: "Na so I do Dominic for Access Bank, na him force me open account, they start dea cut maintenance fee." Another user, heissamiey, emphasized the seriousness of the warning: "He don warn you like that, you go think say Na play."
The incident also prompted discussions on professional conduct. Some comments recalled a related story where an ex-UBA banker received kind treatment from a former customer turned immigration officer, underscoring the long-term importance of good customer service, especially in sensitive financial matters.
This viral episode underscores the confusion and anxiety surrounding the forthcoming tax reforms. It highlights the communication gap that may exist between policy implementation and public understanding, placing frontline bank staff in potentially difficult positions with customers concerned about their financial assets in 2026.
