Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, recently emphasized that refining Nigeria’s tax framework is key to achieving significant national development. He made these remarks while hosting a delegation from the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) in Abuja.
Oyedele praised the CITN for championing the National Tax Awareness Day and supporting government reform efforts. However, he urged the organization to heighten its public education efforts, noting that many citizens still perceive taxation primarily as a tool for state extraction rather than a civic contribution. He clarified that the administration’s strategy is not to hike tax rates but to broaden the tax base and ensure fairness by capturing those who currently evade their obligations.
In response, CITN President Innocent Ohagwa addressed the misinformation surrounding recent policy changes. He noted that some businesses mistakenly believe the reforms introduce new levies or ignore taxpayer welfare. Ohagwa emphasized that compliance is a shared responsibility, stating that a functional tax system relies on mutual trust, where the government demonstrates transparency and accountability in managing public funds.
