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  • 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.

  • Wike Slams Nigerians Over Tax Compliance, Says Citizens Want Infrastructure Without Paying Tax

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised Nigerians over what he described as a widespread reluctance to pay taxes despite demanding quality infrastructure from government.

    Wike made the remarks on Wednesday while inspecting ongoing road projects in the Federal Capital Territory.

    “Nigerians don’t like to pay tax” — Wike

    The former Rivers State governor said many Nigerians often criticise tax-related enforcement but fail to meet their civic responsibilities.

    “I’m not trying to defend AMAC when it comes to the issue of tax, Nigerians don’t like to pay tax but they can call you all sorts of names when it has to do with taxes,” he said.

    Wike added that while tax collection must be done in a “civilised way,” compliance remains a major challenge.

    “But knowing what we experienced too about payment of taxes, it would be difficult for me to say that they are right,” he added.

    Call for balance between rights and responsibilities

    The minister maintained that citizens expect improved infrastructure but are often unwilling to contribute through taxation.

    “Nigerians want good infrastructure but don’t want to pay tax. They want everything free in this country,” Wike said.

    His comments come amid ongoing public debates over tax reforms introduced under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which have faced criticism due to rising economic hardship following the removal of fuel subsidy.