In this candid conversation, Nwamaka spills the tea on everything from Valentine’s gifts to the tricky balance between protecting your peace and fighting for love. Honest, witty, and unapologetically herself, Nwamaka shares her thoughts on the little things that make relationships work or not.
Bonus point: If you’ve ever wondered what makes a perfect Valentine’s date for a tax manager, Nwamaka has the answer.
PO for HH People: Hello Nwamaka, it’s such a pleasure to have you as the cover of our first edition of 2026! This edition is about love, but we also know that people have lots of questions regarding tax as the year started with a bang. So this will be a tax-related love edition…
Nwamaka Itie: Hahaha.. It’s my pleasure to speak to you.
PO for HH People: The first thing everyone wants to know is: Will FIRS and LIRS tax Valentine Gifts? lol
NI: First of all, there is no more FIRS, it is now NRS. Nigeria Revenue Service. If you say FIRS, we will fine you. Lol. They’ve personalised the name, similar to the South African Revenue Service, so you’re not confused about which country it refers to.
Now, back to the question. Taxes are based on income and profit. For individuals, tax authorities will typically look at the high-volume transactions. It is important to note that they will not just collect your money from your account. They will reach out to individuals for tax audits based on what they determine to be material. During the audit, you will explain what each transaction is for, and the transaction descriptions will help individuals jog memory if or when the time for this occur.
PO for HH People: What does this mean for salary earners like me?
NI: Well, there are salary earners and there are “Salary earners.” There is nothing in the law that says you cannot be audited if you earn less than N100 million. However, if your account is linked to a PAYE ID and your tax aligns with the income reflected, you’re less likely to be flagged.
That said, if the numbers don’t add up, you can be flagged. Tax authorities often focus on salary earners in the high-net-worth bracket—those earning above ₦100 million—and audit them as individuals, not companies.
So even if every transaction is labelled “gift,” you’ll still need to explain how that came to be. That said, most salary workers are safe. Most—not all oh. Laughs.
PO for HH People: Okay, thank God! So enough of the serious stuff. February is loud about love. How do you personally feel about Valentine’s season??
NI: If you love me, pay my tax. Laughs.
Honestly, I don’t feel any particular way about Valentine’s Day. Every year, I buy myself Valentine’s gifts. So, whether I have a Valentine or not, I’m covered.
While I do appreciate flowers, it doesn’t change anything or give anyone an advantage.
PO for HH People: What’s your view on how expressive love should be? Should love be loud or quiet?
NI: I think one of the most important things in love is understanding your partner. Know what they want and align with it. A lack of alignment is what causes confusion.
If your partner likes love to be loud, then you should love them loudly. Love isn’t about you alone.
PO for HH People: This also somehow speaks to love language. I think at the end of the day, people tend to speak their own language as opposed to their partner’s.
NI: Agreed! I actually cannot tell you everything that works but I know for sure what doesn’t, from experience. As per my new saying, “If you love me, pay my tax.” Do you love me? Show me. For example, “I paid your rent in your name. Take the rent relief.”
PO for HH People: So, have you ever had to choose between protecting your peace and fighting for love and how did that turn out?
NI: I tried to do both. I thought fighting for love would protect my peace, but I later realised it wasn’t love.
If you discover that it is love, then fight for it. A rational person usually tries to protect their peace while fighting for love. That’s the first instinct.
When it’s real love, fighting for love and protecting your peace go hand in hand. But when it’s not, you slowly slip into depression. Some people stay in unhealthy situations because they’re worried about what others or society will say, choosing lifelong sadness over clarity.
PO for HH People: Let’s talk about money. What influence do you think money has on dating and marriage today? Should that conversation happen early?
NI: Hmmmm. People don’t talk about money enough in their homes. We treat it like a sacred topic, and that’s where assumptions cause problems.
There are different types of people or men. Some men want to foot every bill and don’t care what their partner earns. Others prefer a 50:50 arrangement. Upbringing plays a huge role in perception on money.
A woman raised in a home where her father paid for everything may expect the same from her partner. If these conversations aren’t had early, especially during courtship, it will lead to conflict.
Money isn’t the only cause of relationship problems, but it’s definitely high on the list. We need to stop avoiding the conversation.
PO for HH People: Hmm. I don’t I had thought about it this way before. So, on that note, when people go on dates, who should pay?
NI: You remember what I said about upbringing stereotypes and understanding. Everybody’s upbringing is their idea of normal. There is no opinion on what should work and who should pay. I don’t think there is an exact manual for this one. Just align with your partner and if you cannot, move on.
PO for HH People: Being a Group Tax Manager requires precision and structure. How do you balance that with being vulnerable your your personal life?
NI: It doesn’t balance. It never does but we make choices. Sometimes, pressure can make these choices for you. Some other times, a more pressing need takes centre stage and your previous choice has to step back. Also, Communication is key, especially because there are always stakeholders who will be impacted by your decisions.
PO for HH People: What’s one assumption people make about you because of your role that isn’t true at all?
NI: Hmmm.. People assume I’m extremely serious. As I said, we make choices. Think of those old radios with volume knobs. You can turn the volume down when needed.
People assume my seriousness is always on the high knop, but I love to party. I love to dance. Anyone who really knows me knows that.
PO for HH People: So, what does dating in 2026 look like? Are we hopeful, cautious, or completely exhausted?
NI: New beginnings. If you eat one bad meal and get sick, does that mean you would never return to the restaurant? Watch out. You might just see a notification from HR soon. Laughs. Fingers crossed. We go again.
PO for HH People: I’m excited already. To wrap up—red roses and fancy dinners: overrated or undefeated?
NI: Not overrated. But my ideal date starts with someone asking when my passport expires. Laughs.
I love to travel, so anywhere but here works for me. Ask me questions like: “Do you have more than six months left on your passport?” That’s the beginning.
PO for HH People: Laughs. Thank you so much, Nwamaka. I always enjoy talking with you. This was truly insightful. Thank you for letting us in and also for the guarantee that our gifts in about two weeks are safe!
NI: Always my pleasure, Priscilla!
