Follow Us on Google
Hon. Philip Agbese has dismissed Senator Ireti Kingibe’s claims of a new fuel tax and a flat 25 per cent levy on Nigerians’ earnings, insisting that the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 imposes no new fuel tax and does not subject every Nigerian to a uniform 25 per cent income tax.
Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadigbo Federal Constituency and is the Labour Party leader in Benue State, accused the FCT senator of misrepresenting the tax law and misleading Nigerians.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Agbese described the claims as scare-mongering, arguing that the 25 per cent income tax rate applies only to the portion of annual taxable income exceeding ₦50 million, while the first ₦800,000 is taxed at zero per cent.
He maintained that the tax reforms are designed around a progressive tax system and rejected claims that the legislation introduces a blanket tax burden on all citizens.
“Senator Ireti Kingibe is playing dangerous scare-mongering politics with the livelihood of ordinary Nigerians,” Agbese said.
He further stated that the tax reform laws were passed by the National Assembly, gazetted and took effect on January 1, 2026, dismissing suggestions that implementation had been delayed until after the 2027 general elections.
The lawmaker challenged Kingibe to identify the specific provisions of the legislation that impose a fuel tax or a uniform 25 per cent levy on all earnings, insisting that public debate on taxation should be based on the actual provisions of the law.
Agbese also accused opposition figures of exploiting economic hardship for political gain, urging the senator to clarify her position and avoid spreading claims he described as misleading.
