Nigerians were met with another shock as the federal government imposed yet another levy, this time targeting customers of Fintech platforms through an electronic money transfer levy. This comes from a government struggling to fulfill its duty to protect its citizens and provide essential services such as infrastructure, security, and stable fuel prices.

The latest levy, a N50 charge on electronic transfers above N10,000, has sparked outrage among citizens who are already grappling with multiple taxes, poverty, hunger, and unemployment. The removal of the oil subsidy is already wreaking havoc on citizens, who are finding it increasingly difficult to afford transportation or basic meals as prices of commodities soar.

The All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration seems to need a reminder of the primary functions of government. The Bola Tinubu administration must realize that its primary duty is to ensure the well-being, safety, and prosperity of its citizens. At present, however, the Nigerian government appears to have abandoned this fundamental responsibility, focusing instead on revenue generation through excessive taxation.

The Electronic Money Transfer Levy Regulations, introduced by the Finance Act of 2020 and enforced by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) starting from September 9, is a glaring example of this revenue-centric obsession. The N50 levy on electronic transactions over N10,000 will only worsen the suffering of Nigerians, who are already overburdened by various taxes, fees, and levies.

Fintech companies like OPay, Moniepoint, and PalmPay began charging the N50 levy on transactions above N10,000 in compliance with FIRS regulations. This new fee is part of the federal government's broader efforts to generate revenue from electronic transactions.

But the question persists: what has the government done to improve the lives of Nigerians? The answer seems clear—nothing. Instead, it continues to impose levies and taxes on its citizens without providing essential services or improving infrastructure.

Tinubu's Government: A Tale of Two Realities

While the Tinubu administration talks about reforms and measures to curb corruption and reduce the country's debt, its actions paint a different picture. The government’s rhetoric about austerity and belt-tightening isn’t reflected in the lavish lifestyle and spending habits of those in power.

Despite Nigeria's economic struggles, the presidency continues to indulge in extravagant spending, with reports of new luxury cars, jets, and even a state-of-the-art yacht worth billions of naira being added to the presidential fleet. These excessive expenditures have drawn widespread outrage, especially among Nigerians who are battling to survive amid skyrocketing prices and economic hardship.

The president’s personal life is similarly marked by extravagance, with frequent trips abroad, staying in high-end hotels, all at the expense of the Nigerian taxpayer.

This disparity between the government's words and actions has fueled skepticism. How can a government claiming to reduce corruption and waste continue with such opulence? The answer seems simple: there are two sets of rules—one for the ruling elite and another for the masses.

The reforms and measures the government touts are little more than a smokescreen to distract from its excesses. While ordinary Nigerians are asked to make sacrifices and tighten their belts, the ruling class continues to live in luxury, oblivious to the suffering of the people.

It’s high time the government practiced what it preaches. If the leadership is serious about reforms and reducing corruption, they must lead by example. Nigerians deserve a government that walks the talk, not one that says one thing and does another.

Looking at Nigeria’s current situation, it’s clear that the government's priorities are misplaced. Instead of focusing on improving the lives of its citizens, it continues to burden them with more taxes and levies while spending lavishly.

The Tinubu administration must understand that a thriving economy is built on the foundation of a prosperous people. To achieve this, the government must create an enabling environment for businesses to grow. This includes supporting small and medium-sized enterprises with grants and loans, and investing in agriculture, production, and productivity. By doing so, the government can stimulate economic growth and create jobs, ultimately raising the standard of living for Nigerians.

Only when both the micro and macro economies are improved can the government justify taxing its citizens. As things stand, however, the government's continued taxation of already overburdened citizens amounts to nothing short of extortion.

The government must be sincere in its efforts to improve the lives of Nigerians. Lip service alone won’t suffice; concrete action is needed. Everything isn’t about politics; the welfare of the people should be the government’s top priority.

This APC-led administration must realize that its role is to serve the people, not the other way around. It is time for a shift in approach—one that prioritizes the needs of Nigerians and works towards a brighter future for all.

Only then can the government justify its existence and earn the trust and respect of its citizens. Until then, Nigerians will continue to suffer, and the government's credibility will continue to deteriorate.

It’s time for the government to rethink its priorities and focus on the welfare of its citizens. Enough is enough, President Bola Tinubu. Nigerians cannot continue to suffer under the weight of excessive taxation and poor governance. Please, do something.

**Dayo DaSilva is a Mass Communication Expert, Brand Strategist, and Growth Manager from Ogun State.

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