President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emphasised that paying taxes is a fundamental civic duty and a critical pillar for national development and long-term prosperity.
Speaking during the 2026 Africa CEO Forum 2026 in Kigali, the Nigerian leader stated that every responsible citizen must contribute to nation-building by fulfilling their tax obligations.
“Every good citizen must pay tax. It is the foundation for development and the protection of the future,” President Tinubu said.
The President explained that taxes provide governments with the resources needed to invest in key sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, and social welfare. According to him, countries that achieve sustained economic growth do so because citizens and businesses contribute their fair share to public finances.
President Tinubu noted that his administration’s economic reforms are designed to strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal position, reduce overdependence on borrowing, and create a more stable environment for private-sector investment. He said improved tax compliance would enable the government to build roads, expand electricity access, modernize schools and hospitals, and provide better security for citizens.
Addressing African business leaders and global investors at the forum, Tinubu stressed that taxation should be viewed not as a burden, but as a shared investment in the nation’s future. He added that responsible governance requires both citizens to pay taxes and governments to use public funds transparently and effectively.
The Africa CEO Forum is one of the continent’s largest annual gatherings of business executives, policymakers, and investors. The 2026 edition, held on May 14–15, carried the theme “The Scale Imperative: Why Africa Must Embrace Shared Ownership.”
President Tinubu used the occasion to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to economic reforms, regional cooperation, and policies aimed at attracting investment and promoting private sector-led growth across Africa. He urged Nigerians and other African citizens to recognize tax payment as both a civic responsibility and a practical contribution to a more secure and prosperous future.
