Nigeria long overdue for tax reform—Minister
Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, has claimed that Nigeria’s tax structure is long overdue for change.
He made the statement during a national discourse hosted by the Kaduna Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations on Saturday in Kaduna State.
Idris emphasised the importance of public relations in closing the gap between the government and the citizenry.
He urged for improved public trust and dialogue as Nigeria implements crucial tax reforms to boost economic growth.
Under the topic “Tax Reforms: The Role of Public Relations in Fostering Constructive Dialogue for National Economic Renaissance,” Idris emphasised the urgent need to overhaul Nigeria’s tax system, which he described as plagued by outmoded institutions and widespread distrust among taxpayers.
Effective taxation is essential across the world because it provides governments with the financial resources they need to offer social services to their populations.
“However, there is plenty of reason to believe and assert that Nigeria’s tax administration system has become long overdue for reform, on account of design and implementation flaws as well as the general attitudes of taxpayers towards taxation,” according to him.
He praised the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reform for its open approach and extensive public participation, emphasising that the continuous reform of tax legislation is an important step towards creating a firm basis for economic recovery.
“President Tinubu has also stated unequivocally that the Executive would listen to and collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure that all complaints are appropriately and fully handled.
“We will continue to maintain open channels of communication and interaction with the National Assembly and all other stakeholders over these tax legislation.
“We are all in this together, as one people, one nation, and just as we are being called upon to make collective sacrifices, we will also collectively reap the abundant social and economic benefits of all of these necessary reforms,” the minister stated.
Idris underlined that public relations practitioners play a unique role in constructing narratives, encouraging collaboration, and building trust between the government and the public.
The minister also reminded Nigerians that the Tinubu government is still dedicated to participatory democracy. He stated that open communication, inclusion, and openness are essential for ensuring that the changes provide fair benefits.
“It is at times like this that we are reminded of the critical importance of public relations in the upkeep of a functional and healthy society.
“By facilitating purposeful communication, building mutual understanding, and transparent promotion of ideas, public relations practitioners and practitioners can help create a culture of collaboration and progress,” according to him.