A Nigerian man's pointed critique of the upcoming tax reforms has sparked widespread debate and reflection among citizens as the implementation date draws near. The man, identified as Zander Valkyrie, took to social media platform X to voice fundamental concerns that have resonated with many, questioning the very premise of the policy set to commence in early 2026.
Core Questions on Exemptions and Fairness
Valkyrie's inquiry was triggered by a post from user @layo_blac, who shared explanatory slides from digital bank Kuda about the new tax law. The slides aimed to clarify the policy, stating its goals were to simplify the system, make it fairer, widen the tax base, and digitise compliance.
However, Valkyrie focused on the details of exemption. He performed a simple calculation based on the national minimum wage of ₦77,000 monthly. "₦77k x 12 = ₦924,000," he stated, asking pointedly, "which set of citizens in Nigeria earn below ₦800k a year?... so who exactly are the people exempt from the tax?" His argument suggested that the exemption threshold might be unrealistic, potentially making the tax nearly universal for formally employed Nigerians.
The Fundamental Issue of Government Benefits
Moving beyond calculations, Valkyrie raised a more profound, ideological objection that strikes at the heart of the social contract. He expressed frustration, asking, "Why should I pay a part of my income to govt when I benefit nothing?... They don't care about the welfare of the poor, they just want to loot and we will definitely resist this."
This sentiment of receiving inadequate public services in return for tax contributions ignited a fiery thread. While some users, like @IamUnchartered, countered that claiming to benefit "nothing" is rhetorical and that taxes are a collective responsibility, the core of Valkyrie's frustration found a sympathetic audience. Others accused @layo_blac of promoting a "paid gig," though she maintained she was simply reposting Kuda's information.
Broader Context and Public Readiness
The debate occurs as financial experts and commentators, like award-winning essayist Loveson Anselm, ramp up efforts to improve public understanding of the policy. The Kuda slides explain the reform as a "massive cleaning of the tax system" designed to eliminate duplication and confusion.
Yet, as reported by Legit.ng, the period leading to implementation has become a "battle between truths and lies," indicating significant public anxiety and misinformation. The government's stated aim is to create a simpler, fairer, and more digital tax structure, but citizens like Valkyrie are demanding tangible proof of value and equity before accepting the new financial obligation.
The conversation, started by one man's viral post, now reflects a crucial national moment. It underscores the need for clear communication from authorities and addresses deep-seated public distrust regarding how revenue is collected and utilized for the common good.
