Opeyemi Ayanwale, widely known as Imisi, the celebrated winner of Big Brother Naija Season 10, recently found herself at the center of widespread speculation regarding significant tax deductions from her substantial ₦150 million prize money. Initial unconfirmed reports suggested she would lose ₦37.5 million due to new tax laws, causing considerable concern among her fans and the public.

The confusion arose from Nigeria’s comprehensive 2025 Tax Reform Act, which is set to introduce stringent new personal and corporate income tax regulations. These reforms include a raised top personal income tax rate of 25% for high-income earners, specifically those earning above ₦50 million annually, along with new levies and deductions for companies and capital gains. However, a crucial clarification has emerged: these new laws are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, meaning they are not yet operational. Consequently, they do not apply to Imisi’s BBNaija prize, which falls under the 2025 fiscal year.

Despite this clarification, social media platforms were inundated with reactions following initial reports that the ₦150 million prize would be subjected to the 25% personal income tax rate. Users expressed a range of sentiments, from concern over the potential loss to criticism of government policies. Jurist Oliver Man-Dee remarked on Facebook, “Till next year 2026 — ₦37m no be small money.” Sele Bobo criticized what he perceived as public complacency, stating, “You people have finally accepted to pay this tax to a government only interested in themselves and family. You adjust and adapt to so many nonsense the government dish out giving them more power to squeeze you dry.” Ndifreke Anasazi lamented, “₦37 million to tax no be small money oo. Tinubu dey play with fire.” Conversely, Kingsley Afonughe offered a different perspective, noting, “To whom much is given, much is expected.”

Imisi’s triumph as the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 10 was announced on Sunday night, concluding ten weeks of intense competition. She secured the grand prize of ₦150 million after starting the season with 29 housemates. The show saw one contestant voluntarily exit and another disqualified, leading to nine finalists in the ultimate week. In a nail-biting finale, watched by millions across Africa, Imisi and Dede were the final two contenders, with Imisi ultimately claiming the crown and title.

The definitive clarification brings significant relief to fans who had initially expressed outrage over the feared substantial cut from Imisi’s winnings. While her prize is exempt from the new 25% personal income tax rate due to the effective date of the 2025 Tax Reform Act, it may still be subject to existing withholding taxes or prize levies that are applicable under prior regulations.