Amaechi’s claims about new tax laws are false — Presidency

The Presidency has dismissed comments by former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, describing his remarks on Nigeria’s Tax Act as misleading and inaccurate.

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made the clarification while reacting to a viral video in which Amaechi warned Nigerians about alleged harsh economic consequences tied to a proposed tax policy.

Amaechi, who recently aligned with the opposition African Democratic Congress, had claimed that Nigerians could face significant financial burdens if the All Progressives Congress retains power after the 2027 general elections. In the video, he alleged that under a new tax law, a 25 per cent deduction would automatically be taken from large payments made for goods or services, a development he said would worsen the cost of living.

According to him, such deductions would trigger a chain reaction across sectors, forcing landlords, professionals, and business owners to increase prices in order to offset the supposed tax charges.

However, Onanuga rejected the claims, stating that the assertions were “egregious lies” capable of misleading the public and creating unnecessary anxiety among Nigerians. He insisted that the Tax Act does not contain provisions requiring automatic deductions of 25 per cent from private transactions as alleged.

The presidential aide noted that ongoing tax reforms were designed to streamline revenue collection, encourage compliance, and support economic growth rather than impose punitive measures on citizens or businesses. He added that public discourse on policy issues should be grounded in verified facts to avoid spreading misinformation.

The controversy highlights growing political tensions ahead of the 2027 elections, with opposition figures and government officials increasingly clashing over economic policies and governance issues.

Observers say debates around taxation and economic reforms are likely to intensify in the coming months as political actors seek to shape public perception of government initiatives.