Pay Your Taxes” – Tinubu Urges Nigerians, Links Compliance To Better Infrastructure

According to Ireporter Online, the President noted that sustainable development can only be achieved when citizens recognise that public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, schools, and hospitals are financed through collective financial responsibility to the state.

Tinubu made the remarks during the commissioning of the full-scope development of Arterial Road N5, also known as Obafemi Awolowo Way, which runs from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III in the Dape District of the Federal Capital Territory. He was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

He described the project as a strategic investment aimed at improving connectivity, reducing traffic congestion, and expanding economic opportunities within the rapidly growing capital city. The President reiterated that infrastructure remains a core component of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that sustainable revenue generation is essential to meeting Nigeria’s expanding development needs.

Tinubu further emphasised that tax payment should be regarded as a civic responsibility rather than a burden, noting that improved compliance would reduce reliance on borrowing and enable government to fund more developmental projects.

He also assured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, stating that generated revenues would continue to be channelled into projects that directly impact citizens’ welfare.

However, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, faulted the Federal Government’s claims of improved revenue generation, arguing that the reported increase has not translated into improved living conditions for Nigerians.

Obi referenced Tinubu’s claim that government revenue rose from ₦16.8 trillion in 2022 to ₦35 trillion in 2025, describing it as a significant increase that should ordinarily reduce the country’s dependence on borrowing.

He expressed concern that despite this revenue growth, Nigeria’s debt profile has continued to rise sharply, alleging that total debt now stands at about ₦200 trillion.

The former Anambra State governor also pointed to a decline in GDP per capita, which he said dropped from $1,597 in 2023 to $1,223 in 2025, arguing that economic improvements have not reflected in the welfare of citizens.

Obi maintained that prudent management of public resources is essential for national recovery, stressing that increased revenue must translate into jobs, reduced poverty, and improved living standards.

Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reported an improvement in business confidence across the country in May 2026, even as inflationary pressures continue to affect households and firms.

The apex bank’s Business Expectations Survey showed that the Business Confidence Index rose to 7.9 points in May, with further gains projected in the coming months. However, respondents cited persistent challenges such as energy constraints and geopolitical uncertainty as major risks to business operations.

The Inflation Expectations Survey revealed that inflation remains a significant concern, with more respondents describing price levels as high compared to the previous month, indicating continued pressure on purchasing power and operating costs across the economy.