…Finance Minister urges greater taxpayer education as CITN marks National Tax Awareness Day
Taiwo Oyedele, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, has said that poor tax compliance, not the need for higher taxes, remains the country’s biggest obstacle to boosting government revenue and accelerating national development.
Speaking in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Taiwo Oyedele,Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) to commemorate the 2026 National Tax Awareness Day, Oyedele said many Nigerians still see taxation as a means for government to collect money rather than as a critical tool for national growth.
The minister noted that one year after President Bola Tinubu signed Nigeria’s landmark tax reform laws, public perception of taxation remains a major challenge.
“We are still not getting enough revenue from tax. It is not about increasing tax, but making sure that those who are supposed to pay tax actually pay. We want to promote fairness in tax administration,” Oyedele said.
He stressed that an efficient and equitable tax system would significantly improve infrastructure, public services and economic development.
“If Nigeria gets its tax system right, the level of development will be monumental,” he added.
Oyedele commended CITN for introducing the National Tax Awareness Day and supporting the Federal Government’s tax reform agenda. He also urged the institute to intensify public education on taxation and proposed annual awards to recognise outstanding tax-compliant individuals and businesses.
Earlier, the CITN delegation visited the headquarters of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), where they were received by Mohammed Abubakar, the Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Services, representing Dr. Zacch Adedeji, the Executive Chairman.
Abubakar described the first anniversary of the tax reform laws as a defining moment in Nigeria’s tax administration.
“That historic milestone signalled the beginning of a new era in Nigeria’s tax administration, one anchored on simplicity, fairness, transparency, efficiency and service delivery,” he said.
He explained that the reforms are designed to build public confidence in the tax system through improved service delivery, increased transparency and greater adoption of digital technology.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of Technology and Innovation at the NRS, Iniabasi Akpan, said the agency is deploying digital platforms, including Rev360, to simplify tax administration and improve voluntary compliance.
According to him, enforcement alone cannot deliver sustainable tax compliance.
“Taxpayers are more likely to comply when they understand their obligations, appreciate the value of taxation and have confidence in the institutions administering our tax laws,” Akpan said.
Dr. Gbenga Daniel Adebayo, Group Director of the Medium Tax Group at the NRS, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with professional bodies to improve taxpayer education and service delivery.
Meanwhile, Innocent C. Ohagwa, the CITN President, said widespread misconceptions continue to surround the tax reforms introduced last year.
He noted that many Nigerians mistakenly believe the reforms introduced new taxes across virtually every economic activity or were designed solely to increase government revenue without considering the welfare of citizens and businesses.
According to him, the reforms contain significant reliefs for both individuals and businesses.
For individuals, taxpayers can now claim rent relief of up to 20 per cent of annual rent paid, subject to a maximum of ₦500,000. Essential goods and services, including food, education, healthcare, electricity transmission and non-oil exports, also enjoy zero-rated Value Added Tax (VAT).
Ohagwa added that compensation for loss of employment or personal injury now attracts higher tax exemption thresholds, offering greater financial protection for affected individuals.
He described the reforms as particularly beneficial for small businesses.
Companies with annual turnover of up to ₦100 million and fixed assets not exceeding ₦250 million are now exempt from Companies Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax and the Development Levy.
According to him, these incentives will enable thousands of small businesses to reinvest in expansion, create jobs and drive innovation.
Ohagwa also highlighted targeted tax incentives for sectors such as agriculture, aquaculture, dairy production, cocoa processing and animal feed manufacturing, saying the measures are expected to stimulate investment and strengthen Nigeria’s food security efforts.
The National Tax Awareness Day formed part of activities marking one year since the implementation of Nigeria’s tax reform programme, with stakeholders reaffirming the need for greater public enlightenment to improve voluntary compliance and build a more efficient and equitable tax system.
