The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is asking for stronger collaboration with the media to promote voluntary tax compliance among Nigerians.
Sensitisation Programme
This appeal was made at a one-day programme in Kaduna titled The Role of Media in Voluntary Tax Compliance.
Speakers & Representation
Zacch Adedeji, the Executive Chairman of FIRS, spoke via his Technical Adviser on Broadcast Media, Arabinrin Aderonke.
Dr. Mohammed Adamu, Head of Kaduna 1 Emerging Tax Audit, delivered a paper titled Voluntary Tax Compliance: A Pathway to Sustainable Development in Nigeria.
Ishaku Ankuma, Senior Manager in the Tax Office of Kaduna, spoke about practical compliance steps.
Key Messages / Arguments
Taxes are essential to national development (roads, hospitals, services) not just as revenue but as foundation for growth.
Many Nigerians view paying taxes as a burden rather than a civic duty, enforcement alone is not sufficient.
The media has a critical role: simplifying tax law, explaining tax procedures, building trust, promoting accountability.
Voluntary compliance reduces the need for enforcement, helps steady revenue, and boosts investor confidence.
Some of the elements of good compliance were outlined: registration, good record-keeping, timely filing of returns, prompt payments, remittance of withholding taxes.
Warnings and Incentives
There are consequences for non-compliance: fines, interest, possibly criminal action, and damage to reputation.
Tax Compliance Certificates are now required for many financial transactions, which adds a practical non-tax enforcement incentive.
FIRS has been pushing for simplifying tax language via media training, making tax policies more understandable to ordinary citizens.
The agency is also embracing technology, transparency, and reforms to reduce reliance on heavy enforcement and penalties.
Part of the strategy involves building trust: ensuring taxpayers see what the revenue is used for, and promoting fairness and accountability.
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