A Nigerian lady based in the United Kingdom has ignited a significant conversation online after publicly disclosing the substantial amount of tax she paid to the UK government. Her revelation comes at a pivotal moment, just as the Nigerian government commenced the enforcement of its new tax system on January 1, 2026.
Tax Transparency: A Lesson from the Diaspora
Amid heated online discussions concerning Nigeria's freshly implemented tax framework, the lady, who uses the social media handle @RealQueenBee__, shared documented evidence of her earnings and tax deductions. She posted screenshots detailing her financial year for 2022-2023, a move intended to highlight the standard of transparency she experiences abroad.
In her post, she explicitly called for similar accountability from the Nigerian government. "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. This was the Tax I paid in the UK in 2022-2023, same for other years, with a breakdown of how it was spent," she wrote. She emphasized that this level of detailed accounting is also provided for her U.S. taxes.
The Staggering Figures Behind the Post
The financial details she shared are eye-opening. Her total earnings for that year amounted to $120,508, which is approximately N174.1 million in Nigerian currency. From this income, the UK government deducted a total of $46,339 in tax, equivalent to roughly N66.9 million.
More than just showcasing the figures, she pointed to the accompanying breakdown from the UK government that explains how the collected tax revenue is allocated and spent. This, she argued, is the core of the issue. Directly addressing President Bola Tinubu's administration, she questioned, "There must be transparency and accountability. Can Tinubu provide this level of details?"
Nigerians React: A Mix of Support and Critique
The lady's post triggered a flood of reactions from Nigerians online, reflecting a wide spectrum of opinions on governance and tax compliance.
@PatrickAnyiam commented sarcastically, "Nice one... On a lighter note, I want to reframe the question, 'Can Tinubu FORGE this level of details?' Yes, he can FORGE it, but he can't PROVIDE it." This sentiment echoes a deep-seated public skepticism about governmental transparency.
User @FranciscoBrainy succinctly identified the crux of the matter: "Accountability and transparency is where we have issues with the Nigerian government." Another user, @Merc900, added a layer of cynicism regarding the political leadership's history.
However, not all responses were supportive of the comparison. @phimiheon offered a counterpoint, stating, "It's so easy to compare us to UK. But forget that UK of today is a result of progress that didn't start in a year or decade but long ago." The user also accused some Nigerians abroad of tax evasion while demanding first-class services.
Providing crucial context to the new Nigerian law, @obamalik noted, "The Personal Income Tax you pay goes to the State government of your state of residence in Nigeria. I'm all for accountability, but you guys should know who to ask. Meanwhile, this Tax reform reduces the total taxes by those earning below ₦50m annually."
Ultimately, many, like @KaeAnonymous_, expressed doubt that mere accounting would lead to change: "Even if the Nigerian government accounts for how the taxes they collect will be spent, the probability of them using the money for those things is lesser than 1."
This viral story underscores the heightened public scrutiny and demand for fiscal responsibility as Nigeria's 2026 tax law comes into effect. The dialogue continues to center on whether the new system will foster the transparency and tangible development that citizens are demanding.
