Nigeria Trains State House Press Corps, Stakeholders on Tax Reforms Act 2025

Stakeholders across government, media, and civil society gathered in Abuja on September 10, 2025, for the opening of a one-day capacity-building program on the newly enacted Tax Reforms Act and the operations of the Nigeria Revenue Service. The training, designed for members of the State House Press Corps, aimed to enhance accurate reportage, improve public awareness, and strengthen compliance with the nation’s tax laws.

The event, held at the Rockview Hotel, Abuja, was formally opened by Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, who emphasized that the program marked an important step in aligning government communication with national development priorities. She noted that the Tax Reforms Act was introduced by the Federal Government to strengthen efficiency, equity, and accountability in Nigeria’s tax system, which is central to the country’s broader economic recovery agenda.

“The role of the media, and especially the State House Press Corps, is critical,” Atoyebi said. “You are the main link between the Presidency and the Nigerian people. Your reporting shapes public perception, informs civic understanding, and influences the trust citizens place in government policies. This training is designed to equip you to accurately interpret and effectively report on these reforms.”

Participants were exposed to three core areas: the key provisions and objectives of the Tax Reforms Act, the structure and mandate of the Nigeria Revenue Service, and the broader fiscal implications of the reform agenda for national development. Expert-led sessions and interactive engagements were structured to provide journalists and stakeholders with the tools needed to communicate clearly and responsibly on fiscal matters.

In addition to media representatives, facilitators included officials of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), legal practitioners, and academics. Sessions covered corporate tax obligations, digital economy taxation, incentives for small and medium enterprises, penalties for non-compliance, and the role of technology in modern tax administration.

Professor Taiwo Oyedele, one of the lead facilitators, described the Act as “a decisive step toward simplifying the tax system, broadening the tax base, and strengthening accountability.” He highlighted that capacity-building for both the media and stakeholders was necessary to ensure effective implementation and to minimize disputes.

Participants took part in discussions and case studies that explored how the Act will impact individuals, businesses, and government agencies. Many commended the training as timely, noting that it would help demystify tax laws for the public and encourage voluntary compliance. They also urged organizers to institutionalize similar sessions regularly.

Beyond technical knowledge, the initiative sought to reinforce the democratic role of the press in bridging government and the people. Organizers stressed that improving the quality of media reportage on fiscal reforms was essential to building trust in the country’s tax system, enhancing compliance, and mobilizing revenue for national development.

Declaring the program open, Atoyebi expressed confidence that the knowledge shared would translate into better reporting, deeper insights, and a stronger connection between government and citizens. She thanked partners and resource persons for supporting the initiative, adding that “an informed press leads to an informed public, which is essential for a successful democracy.”

The training is part of wider efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s tax system, improve revenue mobilization, and sustain economic growth through transparency and accountability in fiscal policy.