Only 19% of Nigerians Pay Taxes — Finance Minister

The Minister of State for Finance, , has disclosed that only about 19 per cent of Nigerians currently pay taxes, describing the figure as significantly low when compared with compliance levels in other African countries.

Speaking to State House Correspondents after a bilateral meeting with President in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the minister said the statistic was drawn from May 2025 reports by the former Federal Inland Revenue Service, now known as the Nigeria Revenue Service.

Uzoka-Anite noted that the low compliance rate highlights the urgent need to deepen tax education across the country and encourage voluntary participation in the tax system. According to her, research has consistently shown a strong connection between tax education and improved compliance levels.

She called on Nigerians to embrace a culture of voluntary tax payment, stressing that greater compliance would strengthen the nation’s revenue base and reduce dependence on both domestic and foreign borrowing.

“The more citizens understand the importance of taxation and how it impacts national development, the more willing they will be to comply,” she said, emphasizing that tax revenue remains a critical pillar for funding infrastructure, public services, and economic growth.

The minister also expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic direction under the Tinubu administration, stating that the country has “turned the corner” and is on a path toward sustainable growth. She assured Nigerians that the tangible benefits of ongoing economic reforms would soon become more evident in their daily lives.

Uzoka-Anite maintained that strengthening revenue generation through improved compliance would play a central role in achieving long-term fiscal stability and national development.