You’re not citizen if you don’t pay tax – President Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that individuals who fail to pay taxes to constituted authorities cannot fully claim the responsibilities of citizenship unless they are legally exempted.
Tinubu stated this on Friday while speaking at the Africa CEO Forum currently holding in Rwanda.
The President noted that although citizens consistently demand development and improved infrastructure, many are unwilling to contribute through tax payments needed to fund such projects.
“Taxation is not friendly to the wealthy, the middle class or the poor. Everyone wants development, but the question they don’t answer is how the government pays for it,” Tinubu said.
According to him, citizens often expect quality roads, hospitals and public services without recognising the financial commitments required to sustain them.
“You want a very good highway, but you don’t want it to go through your land. How do you develop?
“You want a well-equipped hospital, and you don’t want to pay taxes. How do you care for the vulnerable, and how do you protect the future of children? How do you even research and develop the pharmaceutical industry?” he asked.
Tinubu also recalled the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing the need for governments to maintain reliable revenue sources to address emergencies and invest in critical sectors.
“We remember COVID-19 and what happened to the world at large. In a world where you cannot predict exactly what may happen, you must think about how the source and application of funds should be engineered. That is why tax must remain a priority,” he said.
The President maintained that taxation remains a key civic responsibility for both individuals and corporate organisations.
“A citizen who pays taxes is a citizen, whether corporate or individual. If you are not a taxpayer and not exempted, then you are not a citizen,” Tinubu added.