The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has reiterated the need for robust collaboration with the media to boost voluntary tax compliance, foster transparency, and enhance public understanding of Nigeria’s evolving tax landscape. This call was made at a sensitisation programme themed “The Role of Media in Voluntary Tax Compliance,” held in Abuja on Monday.
Speaking at the event, Aderonke Atoyebi, Technical Assistant (Broadcast Media) to FIRS Executive Chairman Zacch Adedeji, emphasised the strategic importance of the media in shaping public perception, bridging knowledge gaps, and building confidence in Nigeria’s tax system.
According to Atoyebi, the North Central region—despite its wealth of natural resources and cultural diversity—continues to face developmental challenges. She noted that the media has a critical role to play in translating complex tax policies into accessible language, thereby empowering citizens to engage constructively with the system and willingly comply with their tax obligations.
“This sensitisation programme is not just to promote the work of FIRS, but to demystify our policies and reforms. We want the media to be fully equipped with accurate data and context to tell compelling, truthful stories that inspire voluntary tax compliance,” Atoyebi stated.
She further encouraged an open, two-way relationship between the media and tax authorities, adding that fostering dialogue and critical inquiry will enable greater accountability and citizen participation.
The event featured two technical presentations. Bright Igbinosa, Head of the Tax Reform Analysis Unit at FIRS, provided insights into the agency’s recent reforms, including digital innovations such as e-filing, automated tax clearance certificates, and taxpayer segmentation for improved service delivery.
Igbinosa noted that the reforms are built on data-driven strategies aimed at simplifying tax administration and improving compliance across various economic sectors.
The second presentation by Prof. Iroye Samuel Opeyemi, of the Department of Strategic Studies and Conflict Resolution at the National Open University of Nigeria, examined the sociopolitical dimensions of tax compliance and the role of public trust in building an inclusive tax culture.
Prof. Opeyemi called on media professionals to act as “tax educators,” encouraging them to develop tax literacy campaigns that reflect the realities of everyday Nigerians, particularly informal sector operators and small business owners.
In recent years, FIRS has taken bold steps toward modernising Nigeria’s tax administration system. From launching the TaxPro Max platform to introducing e-invoicing for large taxpayers, the agency has made significant strides in promoting digital compliance, reducing revenue leakages, and enhancing transparency.
The Abuja forum was therefore designed to deepen the media’s understanding of these ongoing transformations and prepare journalists to communicate fiscal policy in ways that resonate with the public.
“Our objective is to support the media to simplify tax narratives, promote voluntary compliance, and spotlight the direct impact of taxes on national development,” Atoyebi said.
She added that accurate and responsible media reporting could be a game-changer in Nigeria’s quest to increase its tax-to-GDP ratio, currently hovering around 10%, far below the African average of 16%.
Participants at the event—comprising editors, reporters, tax experts, and civil society advocates—commended FIRS for recognising the media as a strategic partner in governance.
Many urged the agency to institutionalise regular training for journalists on tax policy, suggesting the creation of a fiscal journalism fellowship in partnership with academic institutions and development partners.
The sensitisation programme aligns with FIRS’s broader strategy under Adedeji’s leadership to reposition the agency as a modern, service-driven institution that prioritises inclusivity and citizen engagement.
As Nigeria faces growing fiscal pressures and an expanding informal economy, the success of these tax reforms—many believe—will hinge on public awareness, civic trust, and media collaboration.