By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin

The Speaker of the 8th Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Prof. Ali Ahmad has underscored the need for transparency in tax administration to encourage voluntary compliance among Nigerians.

Prof Ali Ahmad speaking at a strategic media seminar organized by the Sobi FM Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ilorin, themed “The Role of Media in Promoting Transparency and Accountability in Tax Reforms Legislation,” highlighted the critical role of transparency in fostering trust between the government and taxpayers.

He noted that the proposed tax reforms by the federal government could only gain public acceptance if the administration of taxes was open and accountable.

According to him,“Once there is transparency in the tax regime, people will comply and pay tax voluntarily, and the nation will be on its path to development.”

Prof. Ahmad particularly underscored the importance of engaging the public through the media, stating that the existing tax regime suffers from a trust deficit.

He also urged the government to involve citizens in the reform process by reflecting their views on the contents of the proposed bills.

He further called on the media to play an active role in educating the public on the importance of tax reforms, and simplifying complex legislative changes to ensure that citizens understand their rights and responsibilities.

“By demystifying tax laws and policies, the media empowers citizens to participate actively in the governance process,” Prof. Ahmad added.

The seminar comes at a time when the federal government’s proposed tax reforms have sparked widespread debate, particularly in the northern part of the country.

The session provided a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on ways to build trust and improve the effectiveness of tax reforms in Nigeria.