Nigerian Tax Trust Low Amid Informal Levies

A Nigerian Economic Summit Group survey reveals that more than two-thirds of Nigerian households have faced informal levies from non-government entities, according to Ope Shibayan. The findings highlight a significant challenge in public confidence in tax administration.

The NESG Tax Perception Survey 2026 found that 67.2 per cent of households experienced such demands at least once. The survey included data from 18,000 households and 9,097 businesses across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Although 74.4 per cent of households acknowledged the government’s right to collect taxes, their average trust in tax authorities was only 2.01 on a four-point scale, indicating low public confidence in the system.