President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has taken a swipe at Nigerians who demand improved infrastructure and public services but resist paying taxes, emphasizing the contradiction at the heart of the country’s development struggles.
Speaking at a two-day public hearing on the Tax Reform Bills in Abuja on Monday, Akpabio noted that while citizens expect world-class roads, hospitals, schools, and uninterrupted electricity, many are unwilling to contribute their fair share through taxation.
“Everyone wants good roads, quality education, and functional hospitals, but when it comes to paying taxes, there is resistance from all sides,” Akpabio observed.
He pointed out that tax evasion is widespread, from informal traders to high-earning professionals, and even in the formal sector, where many businesses underreport their earnings to minimize tax liabilities. He warned that if not properly addressed, Nigeria’s tax system could discourage investment and economic activity.
While acknowledging the frustrations of multiple taxation and unclear policies at federal, state, and local levels, Akpabio stressed that sustainable national development is impossible without an effective tax system.
“There is no country in the world that develops without a strong tax structure,” he said.
He explained that the Tax Reform Bills seek to:
Harmonize tax administration to reduce duplication and simplify compliance.
Lower the cost of tax collection, ensuring more revenue is used for development.
Introduce digital tax systems for better transparency and accountability.
One of the major concerns raised during the hearing was the unfair distribution of tax revenue. Akpabio cited the example of breweries in Ogun State, which pay most of their taxes in Lagos because their headquarters are there, while Ogun, which hosts the production activities, receives little revenue.
“This imbalance must be corrected,” he insisted, calling for a fairer system where states benefit from the economic activities within their borders.
As discussions on tax reforms continue, Akpabio urged Nigerians to view taxation as a civic duty rather than a burden. He reiterated that national development is a shared responsibility between the government and its citizens.
“We all want a better Nigeria, but are we willing to pay for it?” he asked.
With stakeholders, including businesses, tax professionals, and civil society organizations, set to provide further input, the challenge remains: Can Nigerians truly demand good governance without contributing to its financial foundation?