The Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Ilorin and District Society, Mr. Taofiq Alabi has called on government at all levels to institutionalize greater transparency in the management of tax revenues, while emphasizing the urgent need for sustained public enlightenment on ongoing fiscal reforms.
Alabi made the call on Thursday during the institute’s grassroots sensitization outreach held at the ancient Oja-Oba Market in Ilorin, marking Day 4 of the ongoing 2026 Annual Tax Week celebrated under the theme, Tax Awareness for National Growth: Reform, Compliance and Shared Prosperity.”
Speaking with newsmen at the event, the CITN Chairman disclosed that the advocacy team had conducted extensive activations across three major markets within the Kwara State capital. The exercises featured an open-air “Tax Clinic” explicitly designed to resolve taxpayers’ complaints, simplify tax-related grievances, and educate the trading populace on recent federal and subnational policy updates.
According to him, the market outreach revealed that a vast majority of grassroots traders are willing and eager to comply with their civic tax obligations. However, they are strongly demanding clear accountability regarding how their contributions are being utilized by the government.
“The reception has been very encouraging. People came out in large numbers to present their tax-related issues for resolution. What stood out in all the markets we visited is that the public wants more transparency from the government,” Alabi stated.
“They are saying the tax being paid is not being fully reflected in public services and infrastructure. That is their major concern, and it points to the need for greater transparency and accountability.” He added.
The tax expert also observed that awareness of newly introduced national tax reforms remains significantly low among operators within the informal economy, indicating that many small business owners are still in the dark regarding key policy shifts. He stressed that a one-off campaign is insufficient and urged for continuous, simplified communication channels.
A vital takeaway from the outreach, according to the Chairman, was the prevalent challenge of poor record-keeping among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which frequently leads to friction and misunderstandings during tax assessments.
“Many of them do not keep proper records of their financial transactions. Some complained about tax assessments without understanding how such figures were arrived at. If proper records are kept, taxpayers will know that assessments are based on income and not arbitrary figures. We urge members of the public to keep records because it promotes voluntary compliance,” he explained.
Alabi concluded by stating that all feedback and data gathered during the market-wide tax clinics have been meticulously documented and will be relayed directly to the relevant revenue authorities to bridge the operational gap between the grassroots and state actors. He noted that the Tax Week, which kicked off on Monday, will culminate in a special thanksgiving service on Sunday, June 28, 2026.