By Muhammad Mamman
The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, has reiterated that every individual taxpayer must file their tax returns on or before March 31, stressing that compliance is no longer optional.
Oyedele made the statement while speaking on the federal government’s ongoing tax reform drive, noting that timely filing is critical to improving transparency, boosting government revenue and strengthening public trust in the tax system.
According to him, the March 31 deadline applies to all eligible individuals, including salaried workers, self-employed persons and professionals, regardless of income level. He explained that filing tax returns does not always mean paying additional taxes, but rather declaring income accurately as required by law.
“The obligation to file tax returns is a civic duty. Even where no tax is payable, individuals are still required to make proper declarations within the stipulated timeframe,” Oyedele said.
He warned that failure to comply could attract penalties and enforcement measures as authorities intensify efforts to broaden the tax base and reduce revenue leakages. The committee, he added, is working closely with tax authorities to simplify processes and make compliance easier for taxpayers.
Oyedele also urged Nigerians to take advantage of digital platforms provided by tax agencies to file returns seamlessly, assuring that reforms underway are aimed at making the system fairer, more efficient and growth-oriented.
The federal government has consistently emphasised tax compliance as a key pillar of its economic reform agenda, particularly in the face of declining oil revenues and rising public expenditure.
