The federal government has unveiled strategies to lead a grassroots radio sensitisation programme aimed at simplifying tax education and boosting compliance among Nigerians across all walks of life, from market traders to tech entrepreneurs.
In a statement signed by the director of Communication and Liaison Department, Dr Abdullahi Ismaila, stressed that taxation is not just a civic obligation but a vital contributor to everyday public services.
Dr Ismaila emphasised the need to break down complex tax processes for informal and underserved sectors.
“The average market woman needs to understand what Tax Pro Max is. She needs to know how to get a Tax Clearance Certificate and understand e-invoicing,” he said, highlighting the technical issues the agency plans to simplify using radio broadcasts in local languages and pidgin.
“We’re counting on radio service providers to help raise the level of awareness,” he said, adding that feedback from listeners will shape future content.
Dr Loveth Ononuga, director of the Taxpayers’ Service Department, also responded to scepticism about whether taxes truly serve the people.
Noted that, “You drove on a road to get here. Did the road just make itself? It’s taxpayer money,” she said emphatically.
She further explained that salaries of police officers, military equipment, and even hospitals are funded by taxes.
According to her, many citizens overlook the visible outcomes of their contributions.
“TETFund projects in schools? That’s taxpayers’ money. VAT? 85% of it is shared with states and local governments,” she said, promising that FIRS will begin developing content that highlights how these funds are used.
Mr Olaolu Makinde, head of the technical office, also spoke about the role of the media.
He urged reporters and advocacy groups to promote tax education, hold leaders accountable, and help the public understand Nigeria’s tax structure.
Meanwhile, the event host, Arabirin Aderonke Atoyebi, technical assistant on broadcast media to the FIRS executive chairman, underscored the importance of radio programmes in transmitting information so that the public can fully understand Nigeria’s tax structure.
“We are very intentional about our radio programmes because people in the grassroots majorly listen to the radio,” she said.
Atoyebi urged service providers to maintain professionalism.
“Tax reporting is very technical… a single word can mar everything you say,” she warned, pledging ongoing collaboration and support from the FIRS leadership.
As the FIRS seeks to turn the tide on public perception and compliance, its message is clear: taxation funds the roads, the police, and the schools, and through radio, that message is reaching the people it matters to most.
