Welcome

Tag: Nigerian citizens

  • Tinubu Sparks Debate, Says “Only Taxpayers Are Real Citizens” At Africa CEO Forum

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that anyone who does not pay taxes to the government cannot fully be regarded as a citizen, a statement that has stirred fresh public debate on taxation and civic responsibility.

    Tinubu made the comment during a panel session at the ongoing Africa CEO Forum in Rwanda, where African leaders and business executives gathered to discuss economic growth and development.

    “How Do You Fund Development?”

    Speaking on the challenges of governance and infrastructure financing, Tinubu stressed that development cannot happen without taxation.

    He said citizens often demand roads, hospitals, and social services but rarely consider how such projects are funded.

    “Taxation is not friendly to the wealthy, the middle class, or the poor. Everyone wants development, but the question they don’t answer is how the government pays for it,” he said.

    He added that expectations for quality infrastructure must be matched with fiscal responsibility from citizens.

    “You want a very good highway, but you don’t want it to go through your land. How do you develop?” he asked.

    “A Citizen Who Doesn’t Pay Tax…”

    The President went further to link tax compliance with citizenship status, saying it reflects participation in nation-building.

    “A citizen who pays taxes is a citizen, whether corporate or individual. If you are not a taxpayer and not exempted, then you are not a citizen,” Tinubu stated.

    He added that taxation remains central to funding healthcare, education, and innovation, including pharmaceutical research and emergency responses like the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Tax Reforms Under Spotlight

    The remarks come as the federal government intensifies tax reforms aimed at broadening Nigeria’s revenue base and reducing dependence on borrowing.

    The administration has consistently argued that improved tax compliance is key to financing infrastructure and stabilising public finances amid rising debt servicing costs.

    The statement is already generating reactions across social and political spaces, with supporters linking it to fiscal discipline reforms, while critics question its framing of citizenship in relation to taxation.

  • World Bank Restricts Instagram Comments Amid Backlash Over Fresh $1.25bn Nigeria Loan

    The World Bank has restricted comments on its Instagram page following widespread backlash from Nigerians over plans by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to secure a fresh $1.25 billion loan facility.

    The reactions followed reports that the Federal Government had intensified discussions with the World Bank over a new loan package aimed at supporting economic reforms and job creation.

    Debt Concerns Trigger Reactions

    According to figures released by the Debt Management Office, Nigeria’s total public debt for both federal and state governments rose to ₦159.27 trillion as of the fourth quarter of 2025.

    President Tinubu also disclosed on Tuesday that Nigeria would spend about $11.6 billion on debt servicing in 2026.

    The figure represents a sharp increase compared to the $5.21 billion reportedly spent on external debt servicing in 2025, based on data from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

    The president stated that almost half of Nigeria’s projected revenue for 2026 would go toward debt servicing under the current global financial structure.

    Nigerians Flood World Bank Page

    Following the development, Nigerians stormed the World Bank’s Instagram page, urging the institution to stop approving loans for Nigeria.

    Many social media users accused government officials of mismanaging and diverting borrowed funds meant for economic development.

    Screenshots circulating online showed hundreds of comments from Nigerians lamenting rising inflation, economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and worsening living conditions.

    “Dear @WorldBankGroup, why did you lock your comments section on Instagram? Nigerians are telling you to stop giving our criminal leaders billions in loans that only gets stolen,” one user wrote.

    Others warned that continued borrowing could push Nigeria deeper into a debt crisis while allegedly empowering corrupt political elites.

    “They want to give so much loan that the country won’t be able to pay back, so they can control our resources,” another user wrote.

    “Stop giving Tinubu loans, he is not using it for the citizens,” another comment read.

    World Bank Yet To Respond

    As of the time of filing this report, the World Bank had not issued any official statement addressing the backlash or confirming whether the comment restrictions were linked to the reactions from Nigerians.

    The development comes amid growing public concern over Nigeria’s rising debt profile and the economic impact of ongoing reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration.