Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, has maintained that changes to Nigeria’s tax structure are long needed.
He made the statement on Saturday in Kaduna State during a national discussion hosted by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations’ Kaduna Chapter.
Idris emphasised how public relations might help close the divide between the people and the government.
He urged greater communication and public trust as Nigeria implements important tax measures meant to boost the country’s economy.
Idris emphasised the urgent need to reform Nigeria’s tax system, which she described as beset by antiquated institutions and a widespread mistrust among taxpayers, in her presentation, “Tax Reforms: The Role of Public Relations in Fostering Constructive Dialogue for the National Economic Renaissance.”
“All over the world, effective taxation is important as a source of financial power for governments to provide social services for their citizens.
“However, there is plenty of reason to believe and assert that Nigeria’s tax administration system has become long overdue for reform, on account of design and implementation flaws as well as the general attitudes of taxpayers toward taxation,” he said.
He commended the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reform for its transparent approach and broad public engagement, noting that the ongoing review of tax laws is a critical step in laying a solid foundation for economic recovery.
“President Tinubu has also been very clear to guarantee that every problem is appropriately and thoroughly addressed. The President has also made it very clear that the Executive would pay close attention to and collaborate with all parties involved.
“Concerning these taxation proposals, we will keep the lines of discussion and engagement open with the National Assembly and all other stakeholders.”
The minister said, “We are all in this together, as one people, one nation, and just as we are being called upon to make collective sacrifices, we will also collectively reap the abundant social and economic benefits of all of these necessary reforms.”
Idris underlined that public relations professionals play a special role in influencing public opinion, encouraging cooperation, and building public confidence in the government.
The minister also assured Nigerians that participatory democracy is still a priority for the Tinubu administration. He pointed out that to guarantee that the reforms provide advantages that are distributed fairly, open communication, inclusion, and openness are essential.
These kinds of situations serve as a reminder of the critical functions that public relations plays in preserving a vibrant and functional society.
“Public relations practice and practitioners can help create a culture of collaboration and progress by facilitating purposeful communication, building mutual understanding, and transparently promoting ideas,” he said.
