Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has stirred debate after declaring that paying taxes is central to citizenship, in one of his administration’s strongest remarks yet on civic responsibility and revenue generation.
“Tax is a priority. A citizen that pays taxes, whether corporate or individual, is a citizen. If you are not a taxpayer and not exempted, then you are not a citizen,” Tinubu said.
The comments come as the Nigerian government intensifies efforts to expand the country’s tax base amid mounting economic pressures and declining public revenues.
Tinubu’s statement underscores his administration’s push for stricter tax compliance, arguing that national development depends heavily on citizens and businesses contributing to state finances.
The remarks, however, are likely to trigger wider public debate over governance, accountability, and the social contract between the Nigerian state and its citizens, particularly at a time of rising living costs and economic hardship across the country.
Analysts say the president’s comments reflect a broader attempt by the government to reposition taxation as both a civic obligation and a benchmark for national responsibility.
