Nigeria’s ambitious “generational reset” of its tax system is no longer a distant policy debate—it has arrived, abruptly, in the lives of tenants and businesses alike. For me, it came as a terse letter from my landlord’s agent, informing me that my upcoming rent renewal would include a 10% withholding tax, citing the new tax policy.

The notice left more questions than answers: does the tax apply to residential tenants or only commercial properties? The only guidance provided was an account number and a payment deadline. Attempts to clarify through the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 and expert interpretations produced conflicting responses. The government’s public education efforts on this reform have been, at best, minimal.

This situation highlights a critical flaw: the reform’s rollout has prioritized revenue collection over clarity. Landlords, businesses, and tenants are caught in a chain of uncertainty, interpreting rules that remain poorly explained. The confusion is not harmless—it risks inflationary pressures, erodes trust, and discourages productivity, as individuals and companies spend time deciphering the rules instead of working.

The Tinubu administration has enacted the law, but the real challenge is ensuring the public understands it. Without clear communication and guidance, taxes risk being seen not as collective investment, but as an opaque financial burden. For tenants like me, the letter demanding payment is a small reminder that the success of Nigeria’s tax reset hinges not on legislation alone, but on transparency and trust.