The Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) is advocating for the instillation of a tax-conscious mindset in Nigeria’s younger generations to promote early understanding of finance and their civic duties.
Dr. Zacch Adedeji, who serves as the Executive Chairman of FIRS, issued this appeal at the public presentation of the book “Taxation: Essential Knowledge for Nigerian Children.” This event was organized as one of the activities marking the lead-up to the 2025 Children’s Day celebration.
The textbook written by Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi and Ejura Blessing Haruna, under the editorial supervision of Dr. M. S. Abubakar, serves as an easy-to-understand resource aimed at introducing high school students to the basics of taxes. It seeks to clarify complex tax ideas and highlight how these contributions support government services and contribute to national development.
Adedeji stated that the integration of recent tax reform measures is anticipated to substantially increase tax revenues, with estimates surpassing N25 trillion in income.
Adedeji, as presented through his Special Assistant on Research and Statistics, Dr. Aisha Mahmoud Hamman, highlighted the importance of educating the next generation of Nigerians about becoming compliant with taxes.
He stated that it is regrettable that only below 19 percent of Nigerians fulfill their tax obligations, according to research carried out by his organization. He characterized this percentage as extremely low when contrasted with other nations within Africa such as Egypt and South Africa.
We have provided extensive backing for this book release as we conducted several studies revealing that tax compliance has a positive correlation with tax education. Consequently, when kids receive such education, they mature into accountable adults who fulfill their civic duties, including paying their dues responsibly.
We must foster awareness amongst the youth since it is simpler for young individuals to adopt tax compliance as they mature rather than converting tax-evading adults. Raising children who understand taxes naturally leads one to anticipate that these youngsters will hold governmental figures responsible.
“When pupils receive instruction with topics related to taxation at both primary and secondary education stages, by the time they get to university level, they should already understand this civic responsibility. Therefore, it won’t just be accounting students who possess extensive knowledge about taxes,” he stated.
Adebimpe Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, who co-authored the publication with Ejiura Blessing Haruna, stated that this occasion represents a significant move towards acquainting Nigerian youth with basic tax principles, fostering early financial education and civic engagement.
Atoyebi, who serves as the technical advisor for broadcast media to the FIRS chief, mentioned that more than 50,000 copies of the publication have been produced for dissemination at no cost. These will be distributed freely to educational institutions such as schools, libraries, and universities throughout Nigeria’s six geopolitical regions.
At the event, the former Executive Chairman of FIRS, Mrs Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru, also spoke and praised the initiative, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in how tax revenues are collected and utilized within the nation.
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