President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stressed the importance of tax compliance, saying Nigerians cannot expect quality hospitals, roads, and public services without paying taxes.
Tinubu made the statement while speaking at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, where he discussed governance, economic reforms, and infrastructure development across Africa.
According to the President, many citizens demand well-equipped hospitals, modern infrastructure, and better welfare services but resist paying taxes needed to fund such projects. He argued that governments require sustainable revenue sources to support healthcare, education, research, infrastructure, and social protection for vulnerable citizens.
Tinubu also referenced lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that countries must invest heavily in healthcare systems, pharmaceutical development, and research capacity to prepare for future global crises.
The President further defended ongoing economic and tax reforms by his administration, insisting that improving revenue generation is necessary for long-term national development and economic stability. He emphasized that Africa must strengthen internal economic systems and build sustainable financing structures capable of supporting growth and industrialisation.
His comments have since generated widespread reactions online, with Nigerians debating taxation, public accountability, quality of government services, and the impact of ongoing economic reforms on ordinary citizens.
