Former lawmaker and public affairs commentator, Senator Shehu Sani, has raised the alarm over a new taxation initiative by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration, which targets televisions and other domestic appliances in Abuja homes.

 

In a statement shared on his verified social media platforms, Senator Sani warned that local councils in the FCT have begun moves to collect taxes on household electronic devices, a development he described as a burdensome and regressive policy that may soon be replicated across Nigeria’s 36 states.

 

“FCT councils will start collecting taxes for TVs and other domestic appliances. It will soon spread to the states,” Sani wrote.

 

The former Kaduna Central senator criticized the policy as tone-deaf to the economic struggles of ordinary Nigerians, especially at a time when citizens are grappling with inflation, high electricity tariffs, and the rising cost of living.

The development has sparked public outrage and confusion, with residents questioning the legality, necessity, and transparency of the planned levy. Civil society groups and policy analysts have also expressed concern, describing the measure as an overreach by local authorities.

 

Some have likened the plan to the controversial Radio and TV licenses of previous eras, warning that such moves may further strain trust in government.

As of the time of this report, the FCT Administration has not issued any formal statement confirming or denying the implementation of the tax or providing clarification on its scope, enforcement mechanisms, or legal backing.

Senator Sani’s warning that the policy could spread to other states has heightened anxiety among Nigerians, many of whom fear a domino effect of new household taxes as states seek to boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

 

“Instead of expanding the tax net in productive sectors or cutting waste in governance, authorities are now targeting basic domestic amenities,” a social media user lamented in reaction to the news.

Senator Sani called on the National Assembly and state legislatures to urgently intervene and ensure that any new tax regime is subject to public scrutiny, has a clear legal framework, and does not unduly burden vulnerable households.

 

As the nation awaits official clarification, citizens and advocacy groups are mobilizing to resist what they view as an unjust levy, insisting that taxation should be anchored on fairness, legality, and accountability.