President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has criticised what he described as a contradiction among Nigerians, saying many demand quality public services such as well-equipped hospitals and durable road networks but are unwilling to pay the taxes required to fund them.
Speaking at the recently concluded Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, on Friday, Tinubu stressed that sustainable national development depends on citizens fulfilling their tax obligations.
According to him, while taxation may be unpopular across all income groups, it remains essential for financing infrastructure, healthcare, and other public services.
“Everybody wants development, but the question they don’t answer is how do you pay for it,” he said. “You want a good highway, but you don’t want it to go through your land.
“You want a well-equipped hospital, and you don’t want to pay taxes. How then do we care for the vulnerable and protect the future of our children?”
Tinubu also referenced lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that unpredictable global crises highlight the importance of funding research, healthcare systems, and pharmaceutical development.
He argued that tax revenue is central to national planning and service delivery, insisting that both individuals and companies have a responsibility to contribute.
“Tax is a priority. A citizen who pays tax is a citizen, whether corporate or individual,” he added.
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