Senate President Godswill Akpabio has come under fire from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) over his comments that only 30% of Nigerians pay taxes while demanding more from the government.
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Akpabio made the statement while declaring open a two-day public hearing on the controversial tax reform bills organized by the Senate in Abuja. He described tax reforms as the future of Nigeria, emphasizing the need to get them right. However, his remarks triggered strong reactions from labor unions and economic stakeholders, who argued that tax evasion is a consequence of government unaccountability.
Reacting to Akpabio’s claims, the NLC asserted that Nigerians would only be motivated to pay taxes if they saw tangible benefits from government spending.
“Citizens can only pursue the civic duty of paying taxes when they see a connection between their survival and the government’s positive actions,” an NLC official stated. “A government that is unaccountable does not deserve the hard-earned resources of its people.”
The labor union further criticized government officials for leading flamboyant lifestyles at the expense of the masses. “You cannot tax poverty; you tax wealth. If the government fails to provide an enabling environment for wealth creation, how can Nigerians be confident in contributing to the state?”
The NLC also accused the government of burdening low-income earners while allowing the wealthy to evade taxes. “The truth is that only poor workers pay their taxes dutifully every month. The rich evade taxes, and now, the government is planning to tax the poor to death with new reforms.”
Deputy President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Dr. Tommy Okon, challenged Akpabio’s assertion, questioning the credibility of his statistics.
“We do not know where he got his facts from, in a country where there is a dearth of reliable data,” Okon said. “If what he is saying is true, why does the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) consistently surpass its revenue targets?”
The TUC leader also criticized the government for placing more tax burdens on the masses. “This administration has taxed the people enough. It is the wealthy few who evade tax, not workers, whose taxes are deducted at the source.”
The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) also faulted Akpabio’s comments, arguing that the government’s lack of accountability has made tax compliance unappealing to citizens.
“While it is true that a significant number of Nigerians do not pay taxes, the government itself has given them many reasons not to,” NECA’s Director-General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, stated. “If people do not see the benefits of taxation, they will naturally resist it.”
NECA called for greater accountability in tax collection and spending. “While we align with tax reforms, there must be a mechanism to ensure that taxes collected are properly utilized. Nigerians need to see value for their money.”
Meanwhile, at the public hearing, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Sani Musa, revealed that President Bola Tinubu had urged lawmakers to ensure the proposed tax reforms yield practical and effective laws.
“The President told me, ‘Go and do the needful. Give me a law that works,’” Musa said. He emphasized that the reforms aim to harmonize tax collection, improve distribution, and ensure fairer economic policies.
Musa assured Nigerians that concerns over marginalization and revenue allocation would be addressed. “We are committed to a transparent and inclusive process. Our goal is to develop a tax system that encourages investment, strengthens fiscal sustainability, and ensures economic prosperity.”
Defending the tax reform push, Akpabio stressed the need to overhaul outdated tax laws to reflect Nigeria’s current economic realities.
“Some of our existing tax laws date back to colonial times and require urgent modernization,” he said. “Tax compliance should not be a burden. We need a system that is fair, transparent, and efficient.”
He also urged stakeholders to study the bills thoroughly rather than relying on social media debates. “Don’t base your arguments on social media opinions. Read the bills, analyze them, and present well-informed recommendations.”
The Senate President reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to accountability. “We will ensure every revenue collected is transparently and effectively utilized for national development,” he added.
Despite opposition from labor unions, several organizations, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), and the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Allocation Commission (RMFAC), expressed support for the reforms.
NNPCL’s Group CEO, Mele Kyari, described the bills as a game-changer for Nigeria’s economic future. “We are the happiest to see this tax law come into place. It will bring simplicity to the tax system and make our businesses more profitable,” Kyari said.
Similarly, RMFAC Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Shehu, said the commission was “100% in support” of the reforms. “These bills will enhance economic stability and improve revenue allocation,” he stated.
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