More Taxes, Luxury SUVs and Mass Weddings: Why Nigerians Are Angry About Public Spending

Nigeria’s problem is not simply a lack of tax revenue. It is the wasteful use of public money while struggling citizens and small businesses are asked to carry even more of the burden. As someone who has hustled online, I know how difficult it is to build a business amid poor electricity, costly internet, insecurity, weak infrastructure, import charges and limited access to credit. Many people in the informal sector did not benefit from government support before they started earning. Yet they face VAT, import duties, bank charges, levies and income tax, while still paying privately for security, water, healthcare, education and support for extended family. A person earning ₦20 million yearly may look rich on paper, but that income often supports far more than one individual. This is why reports of public funds being allocated to luxury SUVs, religious outreach and mass-wedding programmes are deeply frustrating. Government must be able to explain why these expenses should take priority over healthcare, quality education, security, roads, housing and support for productive businesses. Citizens cannot be told that the country is broke while political office continues to come with extravagant spending. I am not against taxation in principle. I am against a system that demands more from citizens without delivering value or controlling waste. Nigeria needs transparent budgeting, accountability for empowerment funds, investment in STEM education and practical policies that help small businesses grow. Criticism should lead to reform, not intimidation. Many of us are tired of carrying the cost of a system that gives so little back.

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