Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris has said the tax reforms being put out by President Bola Tinubu are long overdue for the country.
The minister made the disclosure on Saturday in an event themed “Tax Reforms: The Role of Public Relations in Fostering Constructive Dialogue for National Economic Renaissance,” which was organized by the Kaduna Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.
Idris stressed that Nigeria’s tax system is plagued by outdated structures and a general mistrust among taxpayers. “All over the world, effective taxation is important as a source of financial power for governments to provide social services for their citizens,” he said. “However, Nigeria’s tax administration system has become long overdue for reform, due to design and implementation flaws, as well as the general attitudes of taxpayers toward taxation”.
The minister commended the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reform for its transparent approach and broad public engagement. He noted that the ongoing review of tax laws is a critical step in laying a solid foundation for economic recovery.
Idris reassured Nigerians that the Tinubu administration remains committed to participatory democracy.
“President Tinubu has also been very clear that the Executive will listen to and work with all stakeholders to ensure that all concerns are duly and comprehensively addressed.
“We will continue to ensure open lines of communication and engagement with the National Assembly and all other stakeholders on these taxation bills.
“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 added.