Nigeria has one of the lowest tax-to-GDP ratios in the world at just over 6%. With elections due next year, I am awaiting radical tax plans that look like this

Ayo Akinfe

[1] First of all I would like to see one of the presidential candidates say they will proposes laws mandating the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Firs) to set an income tax revenue target of $50bn by 2030. At the moment, Nigerians are grossly under-taxed

[2] Firs chairman Dr Zacch Adedeji should forward a bill to the National Assembly introducing a regime whereby no public official will receive more than four times the national minimum wage. Maybe call it the Nigerian Fair Wages and Taxation Bill 2026

[3] Our National Assembly should then peg the salaries of the president, governors, senators, ministers, commissioners, members of the House of Representatives, state assembly members, etc to grades in the Nigerian civil service

[4] Firs should then impose a 60% faith tax on all religious houses. Call it the Nigerian Faith Tax

[5] In addition, Firs should also impose an annual luxury tax on all private jets. This will be 10% of the value of such aircraft

[6] State governments should be compelled by law to open tax offices in every marketplace and motor parks, so retailers and those in the informal sector can pay their income tax at source

[7] State governors should also ask everyone of our 774 local government areas to have a Firs desk. That way, Firs will reach every nook and cranny of the country

[8] Every local government area should introduce an Owambe Tax on lavish parties. Nigerians spend too much on entertainment. Much more than the nation can afford

[9] In addition, Firs should introduce a Foreign Engagement Tax of 40% to be levied on all those parties and events held in places like Dubai, Mauritius and Qatar. Its proceeds are to be invested in the Nigerian hospitality industry

[10] Firs should also introduce a medical tourism and foreign education tax for all those getting health treatment and educating their children abroad. This will amount to 10% of their gross expenditure abroad

ayoakinfe@gmail.com