The Federal Inland Revenue Service has conducted a training session for heads of communications from major radio houses and communications institutions across the country, focusing on tax matters communication to educate citizens, especially at the grassroots level, on the importance of tax payment in driving economic growth.

The one-day event on strategic tax communication session, country correspondents’ conference, and training was held in Abuja.

This training reflected FIRS continuous effort to advance tax policy formulation and capacity-building for effective tax administration, provide better public service to the people and foster economic growth.

The Executive Chairman of FIRS, Zacch Adedeji, represented by his Technical Assistant, on Broadcast Media, Aderonke Bello, emphasized the critical role of effective communication in tax administration, describing communications heads as frontline ambassadors responsible for shaping narratives, clarifying policies, and fostering voluntary tax compliance. 

Mr Adedeji highlighted the importance of domestic resource mobilization for sustainable economic growth and urged participants to leverage the platform for exchanging ideas and adopting best practices to improve tax systems in all geopolitical regions of the country.

He also noted that collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and coordination were essential for overcoming tax administration challenges and improving efficiency.

Ms Bello added that the session focused on proper tax reporting to effectively educate citizens, particularly at the grassroots level, about the importance of tax payments.

She explained that FIRS prioritizes radio partnerships because it’s a key medium for reaching grassroots communities, where radio is the primary source of information, adding that it was the reason the service was intentional about its radio programme “Tax file radio.”

In attendance were key FIRS officials which included Abdullahi Ismaila, Director of Communications and Liaison Department at the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Loveth Onanuga, Director Taxpayer Service Department, Olaolu Makinde, Deputy Director FIRS. They spoke on different aspects in efficiently communicating tax payments.

Mr Ismaila spoke on effective communication strategies for tax awareness and emphasized the importance of communication in creating tax awareness to the public.

Also, Ms Onanuga who spoke on “Enhancing Taxpayer Service Engagement through Media,’ noted that many citizens still view taxation with scepticism, misunderstanding, and outright resistance, which is why the FIRS partnered with the media to drive tax payment awareness.

Ms Onanuga stated, “Misinformation and historical distrust and lack of engagement have often created barriers between tax authorities and taxpayers. But this is where your role as the media becomes very pivotal.’’

She referred to the media as the “narrators of the national tax story,” stating that “the clarity, accuracy and consistency of the media message can either bridge the gap or widen it.

Ms Onanuga added that the FIRS segmented taxpayers into large, medium and small, adding that any citizen that doesn’t make up to ₦25 million in his or her business a year is not expected to pay any tax.

Citizens who earn from ₦25 million, up to one billion turnovers are regarded as small taxpayers or emerging taxpayers. Then between one billion naira and five billion naira you are a medium taxpayer, then earning over five billion naira and above you are a large taxpayer.

She further said that information on tax payment could be accessed on the FIRS website.

On his part, Mr Makinde discussed on the ‘Technical aspects of tax reportage for public engagement.’’ He explained that everyone has different needs, but taxes help the government to build roads, schools, and other essential infrastructure that can benefit businesses and individuals alike, encouraging citizens to look beyond personal benefits.