Nigeria could witness unprecedented economic growth if it succeeds in improving tax compliance across the country, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has said. According to him, the nation’s biggest challenge is not the need for higher taxes but ensuring that individuals and businesses who are legally required to pay taxes fulfill their obligations.
Speaking in Abuja during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Oyedele emphasized that a stronger culture of tax compliance would provide the government with the resources needed to accelerate development and improve essential public services. The visit formed part of activities marking the 2026 National Tax Awareness Day.
Oyedele noted that public perception remains one of the major obstacles to building an effective tax system. Despite the introduction of landmark tax reform laws signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a year ago, many Nigerians still see taxation as a burden rather than a vital tool for national development. He stressed that taxation should be viewed as a shared responsibility that contributes to better infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.
“We are still not generating enough revenue from taxes. The solution is not necessarily to increase taxes, but to ensure fairness by making sure everyone who should pay taxes actually does so,” Oyedele said. He added that a transparent and efficient tax system would create a stronger foundation for sustainable growth and national prosperity.
The tax reform committee chairman also commended CITN for introducing the National Tax Awareness Day and supporting the Federal Government’s reform agenda. He urged the institute to intensify public education campaigns on the benefits of taxation and proposed annual awards to recognize individuals and businesses with outstanding records of tax compliance. Earlier, the CITN delegation also visited the Nigeria Revenue Service headquarters, where they were received by Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Services, Mohammed Abubakar, on behalf of the agency’s Executive Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji.
source: newtelegraph