Living in Nigeria is already hard enough. Now add tax on top of it, and everything becomes more difficult. Every month, money is taken from people’s salaries, businesses, or even small shops all in the name of tax. But the sad part is, we don’t really see what they use the money for. The roads are still bad, there’s no steady light, and many people still suffer to get basic things like clean water and good healthcare.
Let me start with my own experience. When I got my first job, they told me I had to pay something called PAYE (Pay As You Earn). I didn’t really understand it then. I just wanted to work and earn my money. But when I received my first salary and saw the amount removed for tax, I was shocked. I asked questions, and they told me it’s normal. So I accepted it, thinking maybe it would help the country. But honestly, nothing has changed since then.
Now i am self employed with small business on the side. Still, there are different taxes and levies everywhere. The local government asks for business permit. The state wants money for signboards. Federal government wants income tax. Even plastic bags are now taxed, It feels like they just create new ways to collect money and frustrate citizens, without thinking of how hard it is to earn that money in the first place.
With all these money they collect, the country is still in a bad shape. Let’s talk about roads. There is one road near my house that has been bad for years. When it rains, it becomes like a river. People remove their shoes to cross, and bikes use planks as bridges. Every year, the local government comes to collect tax from that area, but they never fix the road. What are they doing with the money?
THIS PICTURE IS MINE
Electricity is another big problem. We still don’t have steady light. The power company brings high bills and reduced the unit they give us, even when we barely get electricity. We still have to buy fuel to run our small generators. Some people say part of our tax goes to the power sector. But what is the result? We’re still suffering.
Now talk about health care. If you don’t have money, don’t even fall sick in this country. Government hospitals are in bad condition, and private hospitals are too expensive. Yet, they keep telling us they are improving healthcare. Where is it happening? Because we don’t see it.
Even schools are not left out. Public primary schools are supposed to be free, but parents now pay heavily now, nothing is free in this country again, the poor can no longer afford school fees again because public schools is now dragging school fees with private schools, and parents are the ones still buy cutlass, hoe, broom, and sometimes water in public schools. What then is the government doing with the tax money meant for education?
Now the question is where is all this tax money going? I was discussing with some of my shop partners two months ago about the taxes we pay in this country and Some people say it is used to pay government officials big salaries and travel allowances. Others say it just enters people’s pockets and disappears. Honestly, I don’t know the truth, but what I do know is that we are paying and we are not seeing anything good.
That’s not how tax is supposed to work. In countries that are doing well, when people pay tax, they enjoy it. Their roads are good, light is stable, hospitals work, and transport systems are smooth. Even public toilets are clean. But in Nigeria, it feels like we are paying for stress.
What hurts more is that it’s the poor and average people that suffer most. Big men and rich companies usually find ways not to pay or pay very little. But the small business owner or shopkeeper is the one the government keeps disturbing. If you put a signboard outside your shop, they ask for money. If you buy a generator, they say you are polluting and you must pay levy. It’s just too much.
So what can the government do? First, they need to be honest. Let people know where the money is going. Give reports. Show results. Not just speeches on TV. Second, focus on important things. People need roads, light, clean water, good schools, and working hospitals. Start from there before building fancy things.
Also, they must punish those who steal tax money. No cover-up. Let everyone see it. If people know their money is being used well, they will pay tax without complaining. But when nothing changes, people will continue to dodge tax or see it as a scam.
Lastly, people need to understand how tax works. Many Nigerians don’t trust the system, so they avoid it. But if government can educate people and show real results, things might change. To be honest, tax is important. Every country needs it to grow. But in Nigeria, we are just paying and suffering.
TAX IS TAXINGThis is my response to this episode of hivelearners community prompt of #hl-w160e3 which the topic is tagged
Posted Using INLEO
There are many ways to apply our taxes and contributions well, as long as there is responsibility and common sense on the part of those who govern us.
My dear, it's everywhere. Taxes are collected but we have not seen what they have done with it. It's so terrible. Thank you for sharing.
In india we are also suffering from taxes not only u guys
I had the same experience when I was employed in an organisation some years back. They gave me slip that explained how my salary will be paid but I noticed a small reduction about 10% for employees tax. Every month when I receive my salary and I notice the deduction, I always feel very bitter.
The most difficult thing for Nigeria government is honesty. Asking our government to be honest with taxes is like telling a lion to survive on grass. It is not in their nature to be honest.
I swear 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣... Whenever I read people give suggestions to government I just laugh 😂
For the few times I ran a restaurant, I befriended an executive in the local government so he gave me immunity. Whenever the thieves disguise as tax collectors come to harass me for any payment, I call him and he appears immediately telling them it's his restaurant and I'm his sister. That was how they left me alone. One or the other, the country will favour us 🤝🏾
So true in Canada. More than 50% of my pay goes to some form of tax. Taxed as I earn it, and taxed when I spend it. If I start a new business, I am supposed to prepay my tax on my expected business income before I earn my first dollar. My country is technically broke. All time High government debt, all time high consumer debt, and we have more and more homeless. We're having a Federal election in two weeks and I hope to kick this government out for good! Trudeau has GOT TO GO!