The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has announced plans to advocate for the integration of tax education into Nigeria’s primary and secondary school curricula.
Speaking at the public presentation of a new book titled “Taxation: Essential Knowledge for Nigerian Children” in Abuja, the FIRS Executive Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, emphasized the importance of early tax awareness. Represented by his Special Assistant on Research and Statistics, Dr. Aisha Mahmoud Hamman, Adedeji noted the event was part of activities to mark the 2025 Children’s Day celebration.
He expressed concern over Nigeria’s low tax compliance rate, revealing that less than 19 percent of the population pays taxes—a figure he described as alarmingly low compared to other African countries like Egypt and South Africa.
Adedeji stressed that educating children about taxation is a long-term strategy to improve civic responsibility. “Research shows a direct link between tax education and compliance. Children who learn about taxes grow into responsible citizens who fulfill their civic duties and demand accountability from government,” he said.
He added that introducing tax-related subjects at the basic education level would ensure that students across all disciplines—not just those studying accounting—understand the significance of taxes by the time they reach tertiary institutions.
Also speaking at the event, former FIRS Executive Chairman, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru, praised the initiative and highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in the use of tax revenues.
Co-author of the book, Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, who also serves as the technical adviser for broadcast media to the FIRS chairman, stated that the book aims to promote financial literacy and civic responsibility among children. She revealed that over 50,000 copies of the book have been printed and will be distributed free to schools, libraries, and universities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The book was co-authored with Ejiura Blessing Haruna and is expected to play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of tax compliance from an early age.
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