The Presidency has criticised former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, over comments he made regarding Nigeria’s new tax laws, describing his claims as misleading and inaccurate.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, accused Amaechi of spreading false information about the policy in a reaction posted on Sunday.
Amaechi, who recently aligned with the opposition African Democratic Congress, had warned in a viral video that Nigerians could face severe economic hardship if the ruling All Progressives Congress retains power in the 2027 elections.
In the video, the former Rivers State governor suggested that the tax reforms would impose heavy deductions on business transactions and increase costs across sectors.
“Immediately after the election, the government will implement the tax law and it will affect everyone,” Amaechi said.
“If large payments are made for goods or construction materials, a significant portion could be deducted, and that burden will eventually be passed on to consumers.”
He argued that the policy could trigger price increases for housing, services and other essentials, adding that families might struggle to cope with the economic impact.
“It’s about your future and that of your children,” he stated, urging citizens to pay attention to the issue and participate actively in the political process.
Responding, Onanuga dismissed the claims, insisting the former minister had misrepresented the provisions of the tax legislation.
“Rotimi Amaechi is spreading blatant falsehoods about the Tax Act and misleading the public,” he said.
“Such claims distort the intent of the reforms and unnecessarily create fear among Nigerians.”
He further questioned whether the remarks signalled the opposition’s strategy ahead of the next election cycle.
The new tax framework, which took effect on January 1, 2026, was signed into law in mid-2025 as part of a broader fiscal reform programme. It consolidates multiple taxes, restructures the revenue system and introduces provisions covering emerging sectors such as digital assets.
While critics argue the reforms could raise the cost of living, government officials maintain that the measures are designed to simplify taxation, expand revenue and stabilise the economy in the long term.
