After criticizing his barber for adding a 7.5% Value Added Tax (VAT) to customers’ bills, a Nigerian man has generated online discussion.

The barber notified clients that, as of January 1, 2026, a 7.5% VAT would be added to each payment made at the shop, according to a widely circulated online notice.

The barber clarified that the choice was made in accordance with recently mandated Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) regulations.

This coincides with the federal government enforcing tax laws that are anticipated to go into effect this year.

Along with thanking clients for their ongoing support and apologizing for any inconvenience, the notice stated that the company looks forward to providing them with better service.

Many online users, however, did not find the move amusing and questioned when barbers started charging VAT like big businesses.

Reactions quickly followed online. One commentator wrote, “So after a ₦5k haircut, I’ll now pay VAT? Nigeria is not a real place.”

Another added, “Small businesses are just trying to survive. If FIRS dey disturb them, what do you expect?”

Whether it is strict compliance or unnecessary overreach, one thing is clear, even a simple haircut is no longer safe from VAT conversations in Nigeria.