Tax Reform Promised, But Who's Paying? Akpabio's 30% Revelation Sparks Debate
~~ Ahman Makams
Senate President Godswill Akpabio's declaration that only 30% of Nigerians pay taxes has ignited a firestorm of criticism and rightly so. His statement, made during the public hearing on tax reform bills, highlights a glaring inequality in Nigeria's tax system: a significant portion of the wealthy elite, including powerful individuals and large corporations, seemingly evade their civic duty while ordinary citizens shoulder the burden.
Akpabio's acknowledgment of the problem is a positive step, but his call for tax reforms falls flat without addressing the elephant in the room: the systemic tax evasion practiced by the country's affluent. The question isn't just *how many* Nigerians pay taxes, but *who* isn't paying. The implication is clear: a significant portion of the missing 70% are likely those with the means to avoid taxes—the very individuals who wield considerable influence within the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, alongside their extensive networks of cronies and business associates.
The owners of Nigeria's biggest organisations and businesses are rarely named and shamed. While small business owners and everyday citizens struggle to meet their tax obligations, often sacrificing essential needs to do so, the wealthy and powerful often navigate loopholes and utilize sophisticated methods to minimize their tax contributions. This creates a system where the poor subsidize the opulent lifestyles of the rich, further widening the already vast chasm of inequality.
Akpabio's commitment to improved government oversight following the passage of the tax reform bills is commendable, but true reform necessitates transparency and accountability, starting from the top. His assertion of wanting to escape the negativity of social media rings hollow when his own pronouncements perpetuate the very inequalities fueling public anger. The Senate President's commitment to a "better Nigeria" needs to translate into concrete action, not just rhetoric. The first step towards tax justice is for him and his colleagues in power to rigorously examine their own tax compliance, followed by a robust investigation into the tax practices of those at the apex of Nigeria's economic pyramid. Only then can the call for tax reforms be taken seriously, and the promise of a fairer system for all Nigerians hold any real weight.
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