The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has emphasized the importance of public trust and dialogue as Nigeria embarks on critical tax reforms designed to boost economic growth.
Speaking during a national discourse hosted by the Kaduna Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations on Saturday, Idris pointed to the necessity of reforming the nation’s tax system, describing it as long overdue.
The event, themed “Tax Reforms: The Role of Public Relations in Fostering Constructive Dialogue for National Economic Renaissance,” centered on how strategic communication can build public consensus around Nigeria’s fiscal policies.
Idris noted the pressing need to revamp the country’s tax administration, which he said suffers from outdated frameworks and widespread distrust among taxpayers.
“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 stated.
He commended the transparent approach adopted by the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reform, lauding its inclusive public engagement efforts.
According to Idris, the ongoing review of tax laws is pivotal to establishing a foundation for economic recovery.
“President Tinubu has also been very clear that the Executive will listen to and work with all stakeholders to ensure that all concerns are duly and comprehensively addressed,” he remarked. “We will continue to ensure open lines of communication and engagement with the National Assembly and all other stakeholders on these taxation bills.”
The minister stressed that the success of these reforms requires collective effort, adding, “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 further highlighted the critical role of public relations in fostering understanding and trust between the government and citizens during this transformative period. He underscored the need for purposeful communication to promote collaboration.
“It is at times like this that we are reminded of the important roles of Public Relations in the maintenance of a functioning and healthy society. By facilitating purposeful communication, building mutual understanding, and transparent promotion of ideas, Public Relations practice and practitioners can help create a culture of collaboration and progress,” he said.
Reassuring Nigerians, Idris reiterated the Tinubu administration’s commitment to participatory democracy, emphasizing that inclusivity, transparency, and open communication remain central to achieving equitable outcomes from the reforms.
