A Nigerian man has sparked widespread discussion online after sharing a summary of his bank account activity for the entire year, expressing deep concern about the potential tax implications he faces.
Viral Tweet Reveals Staggering Transaction Figures
The social media user, identified as @mhiztaloel on X (formerly Twitter), posted a screenshot of his bank statement covering the period from January to December 2025. The document revealed a startling volume of financial movement through his personal account.
According to the statement, the total amount credited to the account over the year was ₦46,943,706. Conversely, the total amount debited from the account was even higher, standing at ₦48,081,552.29. Despite these massive inflows and outflows, the closing balance shown was a mere ₦408.01.
"My Tax Go Long in 2026": A Cry of Frustration
Sharing the screenshot, the man captioned his post with a lament that resonated with many Nigerians: "January to December in one account. My tax go long in 2026." His worry was not based on a large year-end savings balance, but on the total sum of money that passed through his account, which he fears will be used to calculate his tax liability for the coming year.
The tweet quickly went viral, tapping into a growing national anxiety about taxation, especially with the impending implementation of new fiscal policies. Many citizens are increasingly scrutinizing their finances and worrying about how government levies will affect them.
Mixed Reactions Flood the Comments
Nigerians flooded the comment section with a mix of sympathy, clarification, and shared frustration.
Some users tried to allay his fears by explaining tax principles. User Amanda Chinda commented, "No, it won't be long. The tax is on profit as I have read. They won't tax you on money out." Another user, Ohlee Vah, offered detailed advice, noting that business expenses like fuel, data, and even parts of rent could be deductible, potentially reducing the taxable profit.
However, many reactions echoed a deep-seated discontent with governance. User @baron1260 questioned the rationale of paying substantial tax to a government perceived as failing to provide basic amenities. Similarly, @Bizzu argued passionately, "Why government go dey interested in business wey dem no help me start up?... I never benefit anything from this so called government and they wan dey interested in my business."
Other comments reflected a broader apprehension. Julius simply stated, "2026, the tax season. The government is going to milk a lot from us," capturing a sentiment of resigned expectation. Meanwhile, @BeN SmArT called for transparency, urging the government to clearly show what taxpayers' money is used for annually.
The viral post highlights a critical intersection of personal finance, citizen anxiety, and public policy in Nigeria. As individuals become more digitally aware of their financial footprints, conversations about taxation, government accountability, and economic survival are moving to the forefront of public discourse. The man's bank statement, showing millions in flow but only hundreds in residue, has become a powerful symbol for many navigating the country's challenging economic landscape.
