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Tax Don Start”: Influencer Reacts to ₦487,500 VAT on ₦6.5 Million Purchase

Published by admin on January 3rd, 2026.

Tax Don Start”: Influencer Reacts to ₦487,500 VAT on ₦6.5 Million Purchase

A Nigerian social media influencer, Raye, has sparked widespread online discussion after revealing that she was charged ₦487,500 in Value Added Tax (VAT) on purchases worth ₦6.5 million. Her reaction comes shortly after the Federal Government’s revised tax framework, which took effect on January 1, 2026, introduced stricter VAT enforcement and closer monitoring of high-value transactions.

Sharing her experience on X (formerly Twitter), Raye posted a screenshot of the VAT charge attached to her receipt, expressing shock and frustration. “Tax don start. These people just added tax to my bill; they said it’s due to the new tax law,” she wrote. Her post quickly went viral, prompting reactions from Nigerians across various sectors.

While some argued that stronger tax enforcement is necessary to boost government revenue and national development, others empathized with influencers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners who are already facing rising operational costs. Many noted that those earning from digital platforms, content creation, and online businesses are likely to feel the new tax measures most keenly. One user commented, “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.”

The Federal Government has stated that the updated tax rules aim to improve transparency, curb tax evasion, and broaden the revenue base, particularly in high-cash-flow sectors and the digital economy. However, as enforcement tightens, more Nigerians are beginning to experience the financial impact firsthand, fueling ongoing debates about taxation, accountability, and the quality of public services.