FIRS sought for stronger media partnership to boost voluntary tax compliance in Nigeria.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has called for deeper collaboration with the media to promote voluntary tax compliance among Nigerians, emphasizing that taxation is fundamental to sustainable national development.
Speaking at a one-day sensitisation programme titled “The Role of Media in Voluntary Tax Compliance” held in Kaduna on Wednesday, FIRS Executive Chairman Zacch Adedeji, represented by his Technical Adviser on Broadcast Media, Arabinrin Aderonke, said tax enforcement alone cannot achieve the nation’s development goals without active citizen participation.
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“Taxes make it possible for hospitals to provide care, for our roads to be repaired, and for social services to reach those who need them most. They are not just government revenue; they are the foundation of growth in our nation,” Adedeji said.
Changing Public Perception of Taxes
The FIRS chairman noted that many Nigerians still view taxes as a burden rather than a civic responsibility that drives progress. He stressed that beyond enforcement and penalties, Nigeria must build a culture of voluntary compliance, where citizens willingly fulfill their tax obligations because they understand the benefits and trust that government will use their contributions for the common good.
He identified the media as a crucial partner in building this trust, adding:
“When journalists simplify complex tax laws and explain procedures clearly, they empower citizens with knowledge. An informed citizen is more likely to comply with tax obligations because they can connect the dots between the taxes they pay and the services they receive.”
Adedeji further commended investigative journalism for exposing corruption and misuse of funds, saying such efforts strengthen accountability and public confidence in tax administration.
Media as Educators and Watchdogs
The FIRS urged journalists to see themselves not only as reporters but also as educators, influencers, and watchdogs who can help citizens embrace tax payment as a civic duty.
“Paying taxes is part of building our nation. The media has a special role in ensuring this contribution is understood, valued, and embraced by all,” Adedeji added.
Experts Emphasize Benefits of Voluntary Compliance
In his paper, “Voluntary Tax Compliance: A Pathway to Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” Dr. Mohammed Adamu, Head of Kaduna 1 Emerging Tax Audit, described taxation as the most reliable source of government revenue. He explained that voluntary compliance—where taxpayers willingly declare income, file returns, and pay taxes without coercion—thrives when the tax system is fair and transparent.
According to him, voluntary compliance lowers enforcement costs, builds trust, ensures steady revenue, fosters patriotism, and boosts investor confidence.
Also speaking, Ishaku Ankuma, Senior Manager, Tax, Kaduna Government Business Office, highlighted key practices such as taxpayer registration, accurate record-keeping, timely filing of returns, and prompt remittance of withholding taxes. He warned that non-compliance attracts fines, interests, criminal liability, and reputational damage, noting that tax clearance certificates are increasingly required for financial and business transactions.
Call to Action
The sensitisation programme, attended by journalists, tax professionals, and government officials, ended with a call for stronger media involvement in demystifying taxation, highlighting its benefits, exposing evasion, and shaping public perception to foster a culture of voluntary compliance in Nigeria.
