Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), has revealed that only 19 percent of Nigerians pay taxes, based on findings from several studies.
Adedeji made this known on Tuesday during the launch of a new book titled “Taxation: Essential Knowledge for Nigerian Children”, an initiative supported by the FIRS. He was represented at the event by his Special Adviser on Research and Statistics, Aisha Mahmoud.
The book, authored by Aderonke Atoyebi and Ejura Haruna, is aimed at instilling tax awareness in children and educating them on the importance of tax compliance from a young age.
“We’ve conducted several studies and found a strong link between tax education and tax compliance,” Adedeji said. “When children are properly educated, they grow into responsible adults who understand their civic duties, including paying taxes. Our findings show that only about 19 percent of Nigerians currently pay taxes.”
He noted that some research even places the figure lower, between 10 to 15 percent. “Compared to other countries—even within Africa—this is extremely low,” he added.
To address this gap, Adedeji emphasized the need for collaborative efforts with government institutions and private stakeholders to raise tax awareness among young Nigerians. “It’s easier to nurture tax-compliant individuals from childhood than to correct adults who habitually evade taxes,” he said. “That’s why we wholeheartedly support initiatives like today’s book launch.”
According to Adedeji, fostering a generation that understands taxation will lead to greater public demand for transparency and accountability in government spending. “By introducing tax education at the primary and secondary school levels, children will develop an early understanding of their responsibilities as citizens,” he said. “It shouldn’t be limited to accounting students—everyone needs to understand the basics of taxation to avoid non-compliance.”
60,000 Free Copies to Be Distributed Across Nigeria
Aderonke Atoyebi, co-author of the book and technical assistant on broadcast media to the FIRS chairman, announced that 60,000 copies will be distributed nationwide across the six geopolitical zones. The books were produced at no cost to recipients, thanks to the support of FIRS and Sprezzatura Publishing.
Atoyebi said the goal is to demystify tax and make the topic relatable to children. “People often say nobody wants to pay tax. That’s why we’re starting early—to teach children that the amenities they enjoy, like roads and schools, are funded through taxes,” she explained.
She emphasized the book’s focus on civic education, governance, and the role of responsible citizenship. “We want children to understand that tax revenue isn’t for private pockets—it funds infrastructure and public services for everyone’s benefit.”
Touching on education-specific taxes, she pointed out that some of the revenue is channeled through TETFund to support educational development.
The book uses simple language and engaging comic-style illustrations to make complex tax concepts more accessible and enjoyable for children.
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