The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has urged Nigerians to stop viewing taxes as punishment, but rather as a necessary tool for national development. The call was made during a one-day sensitization programme held in Kaduna on Wednesday, focused on “The Role of Media in Voluntary Tax Compliance.”
FIRS Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, represented by his Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media, Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, stressed that taxes are not merely about revenue collection, but about building a functioning and inclusive society.
“Taxes are not just government revenue; they are the foundation of growth in our nation,” Adedeji said. “What we need is a culture of voluntary compliance where citizens willingly fulfill their civic duty because they see the benefits and trust the system.”
He added that the funds raised through taxes are used to build roads, schools, hospitals, and provide essential social services that improve the quality of life for all Nigerians.
Adedeji admitted that many Nigerians still see taxation as a burden or punishment, largely due to lack of trust in the system and poor awareness of how tax revenues are used. He noted that public enlightenment and accountability are essential in changing this perception.
He called on the media to play a stronger role in bridging the gap between government and citizens. According to him, the media can simplify complex tax processes, expose misuse of public funds, and help shape positive public opinion on tax matters.
“When the media educates, investigates, and holds leaders accountable, it builds trust,” he said. “A citizen who believes in the fairness and transparency of the system is more likely to comply.”
Atoyebi added that journalists are not just reporters, but also educators, influencers, and watchdogs who can encourage responsible citizenship through accurate and engaging reporting on tax matters.
In his presentation titled Voluntary Tax Compliance: A Pathway to Sustainable Development in Nigeria, Dr. Mohammed Adamu explained that taxation is the most dependable source of revenue for any government.
He defined voluntary compliance as the willingness of individuals and businesses to register, declare income, file returns, and pay taxes on time without government enforcement.
“Voluntary compliance reduces enforcement costs, builds trust between citizens and government, and ensures steady revenue flow,” he said. “It also promotes patriotism and strengthens democracy.”
Adamu noted that citizens are more likely to comply when they perceive the tax system as fair and when government shows transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
He praised several recent FIRS initiatives aimed at making tax compliance easier, including the TaxPro Max platform, taxpayer service centres, and targeted amnesty programmes.
“These initiatives are steps in the right direction,” he said, adding that they help reduce tax evasion and increase investor confidence.
Also speaking at the event, Ishaku Ankuma, Senior Manager, Tax at the Kaduna Government Business Office, gave a presentation on Additional Tips on Voluntary Tax Compliance. He identified key elements of tax compliance including proper registration, accurate record-keeping, timely filing of returns, and prompt remittance of taxes.
He warned that failure to comply attracts heavy penalties, interests, legal action, and loss of business reputation. He also pointed out that obtaining a Tax Clearance Certificate is now a requirement for many official and financial transactions, such as contract bidding and access to loans.
Ankuma stressed the importance of continuous taxpayer education and early engagement through youth-focused programmes like the “Catch Them Young” initiative in secondary schools.
“Voluntary tax compliance is not just a legal obligation but a patriotic act,” he said. “By adhering to tax laws, individuals and businesses contribute directly to national progress and avoid penalties.”
The event concluded with a charge to journalists and media professionals to use their platforms to demystify taxation, highlight its benefits, and expose evasion and misuse.
The FIRS and other speakers agreed that the media has the power to shape public perception and build a tax-paying culture that will support sustainable development in Nigeria.
“Together, we can change the narrative. Paying tax should be seen not as a punishment, but as a contribution to building the Nigeria we all want,” Atoyebi concluded.
