Tinubu Defends Tax Reforms, Says Non-Taxpayers Cannot Claim Full Citizenship

|By Adekunle Adejumo

President Bola Tinubu has defended his administration’s tax policies, declaring that citizens who refuse to pay taxes cannot expect to enjoy the benefits of national development.

Speaking on Friday at the Africa CEO Forum in Rwanda, Tinubu argued that taxation remains essential for funding infrastructure, healthcare, research and other public services.

The president said although many people resist paying taxes, they still demand quality roads, hospitals and social services from the government.

“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,” he said.

Tinubu questioned how governments could provide modern infrastructure and protect vulnerable citizens without adequate tax revenue.

“You want a very good highway, but you don’t want it to go through your land. How do you develop?

“You want a good hospital, 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 the children?” he asked.

The president also referenced the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing the need for countries to strengthen funding mechanisms for healthcare and development.

“We remember COVID-19, we remember what happened to the world at large,” Tinubu said, adding that governments must carefully manage the “source and application of funds” to prepare for future challenges.

He maintained that paying taxes is a civic responsibility and a key part of citizenship.

“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,” the president stated.