By Desire Uzochukwu
Hon. Philip Agbese, the Labour Party lawmaker representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, has challenged Senator Ireti Kingibe to identify the specific provisions of the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 that she says impose a fuel tax and a flat 25 per cent levy on Nigerians’ earnings.
Agbese accused the FCT senator of misrepresenting the tax reforms, arguing that her claims could heighten public anxiety amid ongoing economic hardship.
In a statement, the Benue State Labour Party leader described Kingibe’s comments as politically motivated, maintaining that the tax law neither introduces a new fuel tax nor imposes a uniform 25 per cent income tax on all Nigerians.
He argued that the 25 per cent rate applies only to the portion of annual income exceeding ₦50 million, while the first ₦800,000 is tax-free under the framework.
“For her to claim every Nigerian will lose 25 per cent of their earnings is either deliberate ignorance or outright mischief. She should be ashamed of herself,” he said.
Agbese also disputed Kingibe’s reported claim that implementation of the tax reforms was being delayed until after the 2027 elections. He maintained that the laws had been passed by the National Assembly, gazetted and taken effect on January 1, 2026.
The lawmaker said Kingibe, as a serving senator, should substantiate her claims with specific provisions of the legislation rather than raise concerns about taxes he maintains are not contained in the law.
He further accused opposition figures of exploiting public anxiety over economic hardship for political advantage ahead of the 2027 general elections, adding that Labour Party candidates, including himself, would rely on what he described as clear and verifiable policy positions.
Agbese urged Kingibe to retract her claims and apologise, challenging her to produce the relevant sections of the tax laws to support her allegations.
“She should retract, apologise, and stop using the hardship of the people as a political ladder. Anything short of that confirms that she is more interested in 2027 votes than in truth,” he said.
