The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is strengthening its engagement with media professionals as part of efforts to enhance public understanding of tax policies and reforms, ultimately encouraging voluntary tax compliance among Nigerians.
At a recent media sensitisation programme in Abuja, Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, Technical Assistant (Broadcast Media) to the FIRS Executive Chairman and convener of the session, emphasized that the initiative is not just about promoting the agency’s activities. Its main goal, she said, is to clarify tax policies and reform strategies, as well as the data behind them—empowering journalists to report tax-related issues in a more meaningful and impactful way.
“The participation of the media highlights the need for ongoing collaboration between tax authorities and journalists to foster public engagement, transparency, and accountability,” Atoyebi stated.
She further noted that while the North Central region is abundant in natural and human resources, it continues to face developmental challenges. An informed and proactive media, she stressed, can help spotlight policy impacts, build public trust, and support national growth. She encouraged journalists to embrace critical inquiry, open dialogue, and deeper collaboration, describing the media as a key link between citizens and policymakers.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Abdullahi Ismaila, Director of the FIRS Communication and Liaison Department, stressed the importance of data in enhancing the credibility of tax reporting.
“Data should not just be seen as numbers. It represents both quantitative and qualitative insights that must be interpreted carefully and applied responsibly,” he said. He noted that in today’s digital world, data plays a pivotal role in shaping public perception and decision-making, making accuracy and proper analysis more crucial than ever.
Recognizing that tax-related language can often be complex and technical, Dr. Ismaila advocated for simplifying tax terms into everyday language that resonates with ordinary Nigerians. Clear, relatable communication, he said, is key to improving tax literacy and compliance.
Addressing the issue of trust between the public and government, he pointed out that while media reports rightly highlight inefficiencies, stories of positive reforms and progress are often underreported. He encouraged journalists to strike a balance by also covering the gains and improvements made, as this helps build credibility and public confidence.
Dr. Ismaila concluded by reaffirming the shared responsibility between the media and tax authorities in driving national development. He urged journalists to rely on accurate data, ask critical questions, and maintain high ethical standards in their reporting—highlighting that a strong media-tax authority partnership can greatly advance tax awareness and foster a more compliant society.
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