A major tax policy shift has been announced, and many Nigerians are reacting with surprise as the Federal Government prepares to introduce automatic tax deductions from bank accounts starting in 2026.
The move, which targets citizens receiving income they cannot justify.
The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, revealed the plan during a public briefing.
He explained that the government is developing a new technology-driven tax platform that can monitor earnings and identify people who fall within the taxable bracket.
According to him, the long-standing reliance on public honesty will no longer guide the system.
“Your primary responsibility is to declare your income. The government will use the fiscal system to validate it,” he said.
Oyedele also stated that those who fail to justify their inflows will face deductions after proper checks.
“If the system discovers that you’ve not paid your required taxes and you cannot justify your income, the government can debit your bank account after giving you a chance to explain yourself,” he added.
Moreover, he explained that someone with a ₦1 million tax liability will have the amount withdrawn only after due process.
Furthermore, the reform is expected to introduce a more organised structure for tax collection while reducing the use of physical enforcement.
This plan aims to ensure that individuals with irregular inflows pay what is due without pressure from tax officers.
Meanwhile, Oyedele clarified that workers in religious institutions are not exempt.
Pastors, imams, and church or mosque staff will pay tax based on their normal salaries.
“Tax laws are neutral. Whether you are a pastor, imam, or atheist, once your income crosses the threshold, you must pay tax,” he emphasized.
In addition, he noted that low-income earners will pay little or nothing under the new structure.
However, people with high earnings or unexplained inflows will experience stricter checks.
This balanced approach, according to the committee, will help close existing loopholes and boost national revenue.
The government believes the 2026 plan will build a modern tax system that aligns with global standards.
It also expects the process to reduce leakages and help fund national development.
