Tinubu’s Govt Allegedly Uses Celebrities to Promote Tax Payments Despite Altered Tax Law

West Africa WeeklyJanuary 9, 20262 Mins read130

A wave of video clips circulating on social media shows high-profile Nigerian celebrities including Sam Larry, Young John, Funke Akindele, Sophia and others at the offices of the Federal Inland Revenue Service submitting what authorities called their tax reports under the new tax regime. The scenes have triggered fresh debate and sharp criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s tax reforms, with many Nigerians alleging that the government orchestrated a staged exercise to portray compliance rather than address widespread dissent.

The images of well-known entertainers lining up at the IRS building were shared widely, with some users applauding the celebrities for paying their dues while others questioned the timing and motivation behind the public spectacle. Critics argue that the government appears to be using the celebrities as props in a publicity effort rather than dealing with public concern over the changes in tax law and how they were introduced.

President Tinubu signed four major tax reform bills into law in June 2025, part of an overhaul of Nigeria’s tax system that is meant to modernise tax collection and enlarge the revenue base. The reforms include updates to personal income tax, consolidation of tax statutes, and new mechanisms for enforcement and compliance starting January 1, 2026. Government officials have said the changes are aimed at simplifying the system and increasing fairness by requiring previously untaxed categories of earners to declare and pay taxes.

The presence of celebrities at the tax office comes amid widespread confusion and protest over the new rules. Many Nigerians say they were not properly informed about how the law applies to remote workers, social media influencers, content creators and others earning income through digital platforms. Online discussions have reflected a deep mistrust of how the reforms were presented, with some commentators suggesting the laws were altered after passage without adequate public consultation or transparency.

Opposition voices, including the Peoples Democratic Party, have called on the Tinubu administration to suspend implementation of the new tax regime, arguing that controversies surrounding the law’s authenticity and fairness must be resolved before enforcement. Lawmakers and civil society figures have also raised questions about why details of the gazetted tax laws differ from versions passed by the legislature.

Supporters of the reforms, including former finance ministers and tax experts, maintain that a broader tax base is essential to strengthen public finances and reduce dependency on oil revenue. They point to reforms such as data harmonisation and clearer definitions of tax obligations as tools to enhance compliance and revenue collection.

Despite official assurances and efforts to promote compliance, the sight of celebrities at the IRS office has not eased public frustration. Critics on social media have seized on the event as symbolic of deeper issues with the government’s approach, suggesting that the focus on celebrity participation distracts from real concerns about fairness, economic burden and accountability.

As the tax laws take effect, Nigerians from all walks of life are watching carefully to see whether the reforms deliver their promised benefits or whether they become another flashpoint in the broader debate over governance under the Tinubu administration. The viral videos of well-known personalities at the tax authority may have been meant to inspire compliance, but for many citizens they have underscored a sense that the process remains deeply contested.