A popular social media influencer and technology enthusiast has raised a public alarm over a massive Value-Added Tax (VAT) charge she incurred on New Year's Day, highlighting the immediate impact of Nigeria's freshly implemented tax legislation.
N487,500 VAT Bill on N6.5 Million Tech Purchase
Rita 'Raye' Ushie took to the social media platform X to express her disbelief after making purchases totalling N6.5 million on Thursday, January 1, 2026. The bill revealed a 7.5% VAT charge, which amounted to a staggering N487,500.
In a now-viral post, Raye shared a screenshot of the transaction, captioning it with a mix of shock and resignation. "Tax don start. These people just added Tax to my bill, said due to the new Tax Law, yen yen yen. Omo," she wrote, indicating the government had followed through on its promise to enact the new fiscal policies from the first day of the year.
Seller Confirms New Law Enforcement, Sparking Doubts
Providing more context in the comment section, Raye disclosed a crucial detail from the seller. She was informed that if the payment had been completed just a day earlier, on December 31, 2025, the VAT would not have been applied. This confirmation directly tied the charge to the commencement of the Federal Government's new tax laws on January 1, 2026.
Expressing her confusion to followers, Raye asked, "This isn’t normal right? Or is it?" She later clarified that the multi-million naira expenditure was a part payment for a tech startup she is currently building, making the substantial additional tax a significant business cost.
Public Reaction and Calls for Accountability
The influencer's experience ignited a wave of reactions online, with netizens offering advice, criticism, and support.
Many urged Raye to exercise greater financial caution. User @lovefromlaure advised, "Please get an accountant, let them vet all these people. Don't make transactions in such volumes without an accountant."
Others raised suspicions about vendor compliance. @kekz_man commented, "The most annoying part is that some of these companies just wants to rip us... They won't remit the Tax payment to the Government." Similarly, @AbassAdesola warned her to verify if the product was even taxable, suggesting some vendors might use the new law as a pretext for extra charges.
However, not all responses were critical of the tax. @yoruba_baron offered a perspective on nation-building: "Omo, I hear you, but this is how we grow the nation. Every naira paid now can help improve roads, schools, and security for all of us."
Some users clarified that the VAT rate itself had not increased but remained at 7.5%. @FolushoxFolarin pointed out, "VAT has always existed at 7.5%. You should ask them why they were not charging VAT before now."
Broader Implications and Planned Student Protests
Raye's personal encounter with the new tax regime comes amid wider national discontent. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced plans to mobilise students for demonstrations against the law's implementation.
NANS has declared January 14, 2026, as a National Day of Action, with coordinated protests planned to demand the suspension of the Tax Reform Law. This mobilisation follows the government's decision to proceed despite ongoing controversies surrounding the gazetted legislation.
The incident underscores the tangible effects of fiscal policy on citizens and businesses, moving the debate from theoretical discussions to real-world financial impact as Nigeria steps into the new year.
