Stephen Enoch
As Nigerians usher in the New Year, hope and anxiety are colliding across households, markets, and workplaces.
While 2026 is widely viewed as a potential turning point for politics, governance, economic stability, and public accountability, many citizens say their optimism is being tested by harsh economic realities and the prospect of a new tax law expected to take effect in the coming year.
Traditionally associated with renewal and fresh beginnings, the New Year has once again raised expectations that government policies will become more people-centred, inclusive, and responsive to the daily struggles of ordinary Nigerians.
However, these expectations are being tempered by growing public concern over the proposed tax reforms, which many fear could deepen the financial strain on households already grappling with inflation, unemployment, and declining purchasing power.
Nigeria’s economy has faced sustained pressure in recent years. Official data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) show that inflation has remained in double digits, with food inflation rising even faster, eroding household incomes and pushing millions closer to poverty.
Unemployment and underemployment, particularly among young people, continue to limit economic opportunities, while the cost of necessities such as food, transportation, and energy has surged.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on 30 December 2025, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to commence the implementation of the new tax law on 1 January 2026.
Against this backdrop, interviews conducted by Stallion Times across several communities in Kano State reveal a cautious and conditional willingness among some residents to support tax reforms, provided they are fair, transparent, and clearly linked to improved public services and better living standards.
Bilkisu Bashir, a resident of Brigade quarters in Nassarawa Local Government Area (LGA), said the New Year should symbolize renewal and inclusion but argued that past experiences have left many Nigerians feeling excluded from decision-making processes.
“The New Year is supposed to bring hope and a fresh start, but when it comes to this new tax law in 2026, it feels like Nigerians have no real voice.
“The government often makes decisions without consulting the people, so laws look like they are forced on us instead of being shaped with our input,” she said.
She stressed that public trust would only improve if authorities demonstrate fairness and openness.
“Real change can only come through transparency and accountability. I am expecting clarity and fairness in how tax laws are changed and implemented,” Bashir added, urging the government to strengthen public engagement and create accessible channels for citizen feedback before enforcing the policy.
Echoing similar concerns, Daniel Adima, an engineer based in Fagge, questioned the practical benefits of the proposed law for ordinary Nigerians.
“There is no clear evidence that this tax law will improve our quality of life.
“What exactly will citizens gain from it? We have seen many promises in the past that did not translate into real improvements, and this law does not give any clear assurance,” he said.
Adima expressed fears that the policy could prioritize government interests over public welfare.
“It looks like the government wants to tax people mainly to fund its own activities, not necessarily to improve the lives of citizens,” he alleged.
Despite his skepticism, he said he still hopes 2026 will bring positive change. “I just hope things get better in the New Year,” he added.
For Ahmed Ibrahim, a resident of Naibawa in Kumbotso LGA, acceptance of the tax law depends largely on how the revenue is utilised. According to him, Nigerians would be more willing to comply if the proceeds are transparently invested in critical sectors.
“If the tax money will truly help Nigerians, people will accept the deductions with understanding,” he said, pointing to education as an area requiring urgent intervention.
“We are seriously lagging in education here in Kano State. The government should invest these funds in schools, skills training, and youth development so young people can become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to society.”
Meanwhile, Olaleye Titilayo, a businesswoman in Jaba, Ungogo LGA, stated that inadequate public information has heightened anxiety, particularly among small business owners who already face rising operating costs.
“I honestly don’t understand how this law will work.
“The government needs to do much more to educate citizens on how the tax system will operate so people are not left in the dark.”
She warned that without proper sensitization, the policy could worsen hardship for micro and small enterprises, which employ a significant portion of Nigeria’s workforce.
“I don’t have a good feeling about this tax law. From what people are saying, it could become a serious problem for the masses, especially small business owners,” she added.
More critical views came from Hussaina Isah, a resident of Tsamiyan Boka in Hotoro, who described the proposed law as oppressive and poorly timed.
“This tax law looks like more burden and impoverishment for ordinary people, while top officials gain more,” she said.
She questioned the government’s overall performance, asking, “Is there anything this government has truly improved under this regime? Is there any clear mechanism that allows citizens to see exactly how tax funds will be spent?”
Isah called on authorities to suspend the policy and prioritize the welfare of citizens.
“The government should put this law on hold and allow Nigerians to breathe and manage the little they have left,” she said.
As 2026 begins, these voices reflect a broader national mood, one of cautious hope mixed with deep concern.
While many Nigerians are not opposed to reforms in principle, they insist that trust, transparency, and tangible benefits must come first. For many, the New Year will only truly feel like a fresh start if government actions match the promises of accountability, inclusion, and improved living conditions.
