President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stated that paying tax is a defining responsibility of citizenship, arguing that individuals and businesses who do not contribute taxes to government revenue cannot truly be regarded as citizens.
He made the remarks during a panel session at the Africa CEO Forum held in Rwanda, where he spoke on governance, development financing, and public responsibility.
Tinubu explained that while taxation is often unpopular across all income groups, it remains essential for funding national development projects such as roads, hospitals, and social services that citizens demand.
He noted that many people expect high-quality infrastructure and public services but are unwilling to contribute financially through taxes, raising questions about how such developments should be funded.
The President also referenced global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic to highlight the need for strong financial systems capable of supporting healthcare, research, and emergency response.
According to him, sustainable development depends on a reliable tax system that ensures consistent funding for government responsibilities, including protection of vulnerable citizens and investment in future generations.
Tinubu further emphasized that both individuals and corporate bodies are expected to fulfill their tax obligations, stating that compliance with taxation laws is a key marker of responsible citizenship.
His comments come amid ongoing federal government efforts to implement tax reforms aimed at expanding Nigeria’s revenue base and improving public service delivery.
