ICAN and NOA Call on Nigerians to Embrace Tax Culture and Support Ongoing Reforms
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the National Orientation Agency have urged Nigerians to adopt a new mindset toward taxation, stressing the importance of compliance in supporting national development and ongoing economic reforms.
The two bodies made the appeal during a public engagement focused on improving awareness about tax responsibilities and the role of citizens in nation-building. They emphasized that paying taxes is a civic duty that contributes directly to the provision of infrastructure, public services, and economic stability.
According to the organizations, many Nigerians still view taxation negatively, often due to concerns about transparency and accountability. They noted that this perception has contributed to low tax compliance levels across the country. However, they argued that a shift in attitude is necessary to strengthen government revenue and reduce reliance on borrowing.
ICAN highlighted the need for improved financial literacy and better understanding of how tax systems operate. The institute stated that educating citizens on the benefits of taxation can help build trust and encourage voluntary compliance. It also called for reforms that simplify tax processes and make them more accessible to individuals and businesses.
On its part, NOA emphasized the role of public awareness campaigns in changing long-standing attitudes toward taxation. The agency said it would continue to engage communities and stakeholders to promote responsible citizenship and support government initiatives aimed at economic growth.
Both organizations acknowledged that for taxpayers to fully embrace reforms, there must be visible accountability in the use of public funds. They stressed that transparency in governance is key to building confidence in the system and encouraging more people to fulfill their tax obligations.
The call comes at a time when the government is implementing fiscal reforms aimed at boosting revenue and improving economic management. Stakeholders believe that increased tax compliance will play a vital role in achieving sustainable development and reducing fiscal deficits.
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