A Nigerian influencer known as Raye has taken to social media to cry out after being charged ₦487,500 in Value Added Tax (VAT) on purchases worth ₦6.5 million.
According to the influencer, the unexpected deduction came as a shock, especially as she was not initially prepared for the additional cost placed on her transaction. The development has since drawn attention online, with many Nigerians closely examining how the new tax policies are beginning to affect everyday spending.
The outcry comes amid the Federal Government of Nigeria’s new tax laws, which took effect on January 1, 2026, aimed at increasing transparency and tightening VAT collection on high-value transactions.
The policy is part of broader economic reforms targeted at expanding the country’s tax net, improving revenue generation, and ensuring that individuals and businesses earning significant income contribute more consistently to national development.
Taking to her X (formerly Twitter), the influencer shared a screenshot of the VAT charges, expressing frustration over the new tax law.
She explained that the tax was applied instantly at the point of payment, leaving her with little room to contest or delay the charge, a situation she described as overwhelming given the already high cost of goods and services.
In her words, she said:
“Tax don start. These people just added tax to my bill; they said it’s due to the new tax law.”
The post quickly sparked reactions across social media, with Nigerians divided in their opinions.
While some argued that stricter tax enforcement is necessary to boost government revenue [/b]and development, others sympathised with influencers and small business owners who are already struggling under rising costs.
Several users pointed out that inflation, exchange rate pressure, and increased operational expenses have already made survival difficult for many entrepreneurs, making the sudden enforcement of higher taxes even more painful.
Many users noted that the impact of the new tax regime could be especially hard on individuals who earn through online platforms, content creation, and digital businesses.
These groups, they argued, often face inconsistent income streams, making it harder to absorb unexpected deductions without proper planning or support structures.
Reactions poured in online. One commentator wrote, “God abeg oo, this year go tough pass last year. How much tax be this?” Another added, “Tax for a country that isn’t functioning well. It is well.”
Others, however, urged citizens to adapt, stating that taxation is unavoidable in any functioning economy and that accountability should be demanded alongside compliance.
As VAT enforcement becomes stricter in 2026, more Nigerians are beginning to feel the pinch.
The situation has continued to fuel conversations around fairness, economic hardship, and whether the timing of the policy aligns with the current realities faced by citizens.
Check post below…
