Hilda Dokubo slams FG's planned 7.5% VAT on bank transactions says “Double Taxation is Robbery”

By Johnson Arua

Nigerian politician and activist, Hilda Dokubo, has strongly criticised the reported plan to impose a 7.5 per cent value-added tax (VAT) on bank transactions, describing it as exploitative and harmful to ordinary Nigerians.

Taking to her official X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, January 16, 2026, Dokubo reacted to reports that banks would begin deducting the 7.5 per cent VAT on banking services — including Point of Sale (POS) charges and mobile transfer fees — starting January 19, 2026.

She condemned the policy, labelling it “double taxation” and accusing the government of further burdening citizens who are already struggling economically.

According to her, Nigerians are taxed even before their salaries are paid, making additional charges on banking transactions unjustifiable.

Dokubo also questioned the quality of advice being given to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that such a move would worsen poverty levels across the country.

In a post on her X account, she wrote: “Whoever is advising this administration on taxes should know that this their 7.5% on online banking transactions is not just double taxation, it is robbery dressed up in designer gear. Working Nigerians are usually taxed before they are paid their salaries.”

She warned that imposing VAT on everyday financial transactions would only deepen hardship for Nigerians already grappling with the rising cost of living, including expenses for food, school fees, and other basic needs.