Tax Reforms to Drive Nigeria's Growth and Development, Minister Affirms

In the face of ongoing debates surrounding Nigeria’s tax reform bills, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasised that President Bola Tinubu’s push for tax system overhauls is designed to strengthen, not undermine, democracy.

Speaking at the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) 2024 Annual Public Lecture/AGM and Awards in Kaduna, Idris outlined the vital importance of the ongoing tax law reviews, calling them a critical part of broader macroeconomic reforms aimed at setting the country on an irreversible path toward growth and development.

The event, themed "Tax Reform: The Role of Public Relations in Fostering Constructive Dialogue for National Economic Renaissance," highlighted the importance of effective taxation as a fundamental source of financial power for governments globally, enabling the provision of essential social services.

Idris pointed out that Nigeria’s tax administration had long been overdue for reform due to inefficiencies in both design and implementation. He reassured that the executive branch, under President Tinubu, was committed to working with all stakeholders, ensuring that concerns related to the reforms would be heard and addressed.

Idris said that Tinubu has made it clear that the executive would listen to and work with all the stakeholders to ensure that all concerns are duly and comprehensively addressed.

He said, “Even with our keenness for fundamental reforms of Nigeria’s tax system,  Tinubu’s administration will never do anything to undermine the ideals of participatory democracy.

“Tinubu has always upheld the interest of all Nigerians wherever they are in this reform agenda that he has embarked upon.

“We will continue to ensure open lines of communication and engagement with the national assembly, as Tinubu always says.”

The minister said as the president continues to implement a physical reforms agenda for the country that would divulge more resources to the Nigerian states, citizens’ engagement would continue to take place.

As the minister who manages communication for the Federal Government, Idris restated his commitment to continue deploying innovative and comprehensive mechanisms. According to him, this is to provide the public with insights and enlightened information that would foster public trust and confidence in the reform narratives of the renewed hope agenda. He commended Nigerians for expressing their opinions on the tax reform which is of critical national importance, adding that it was a display of what democracy should be. 

He also commended NIPR for providing the platform for Nigerians to engage and deliberate on the issues that concern them.

Gov. Uba Sani said his administration has implemented strategic measures to position Kaduna State as a prime investment hub in Nigeria, with the goal of boosting the state’s economy and creating new job opportunities.

Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, outlined the importance of the ongoing tax reforms, emphasizing their role in restructuring Nigeria’s fiscal framework to enhance operational efficiency.

Represented by Kehinde Kajesomo, Deputy Director at FIRS, Adedeji explained that the reforms aim to address Nigeria’s over-reliance on oil revenues, which has led to fiscal imbalances, corruption, regional tensions, and an inefficient rentier economy. He further stated that these measures will strengthen Nigeria's revenue base, foster a more competitive business environment, and ensure the tax system contributes to sustainable development.