Tinubu tells Kigali forum tax compliance underpins Nigeria citizenship

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu told business and political leaders gathered in Kigali, Rwanda, that citizens who avoid paying taxes without legal exemption are undermining the country’s most basic civic duty, framing tax compliance as the foundation of citizenship. Speaking on the final day of the Africa CEO Forum at the Kigali Convention Centre on Friday, Tinubu said the state depends on revenue to provide infrastructure and public services, and he challenged what he described as an “expectation gap” in which people demand functioning hospitals and roads while resisting the fiscal contribution needed to fund them.

Tinubu argued that Nigeria’s reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, are central to preventing further economic deterioration and creating more predictable conditions for planning. He acknowledged that the changes have been painful and have faced sustained public criticism, but said early indicators show stabilization. He described the tax push as both a political and fiscal strategy, pointing to the strain on government finances and the need to broaden the domestic revenue base.

In outlining the fiscal backdrop, Tinubu cited Nigeria’s projected...