The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday criticised Nigerians over what he described as widespread resistance to tax payment despite demands for improved infrastructure.
Wike stated this while inspecting ongoing road projects in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The minister said many Nigerians were quick to criticise government authorities over infrastructure deficits but were unwilling to fulfil their tax obligations.
According to him, sustainable development and the provision of public infrastructure depend largely on tax compliance by citizens.
“I’m not trying to defend AMAC when it comes to the issue of tax. Nigerians don’t like to pay tax, but they can call you all sorts of names when it has to do with taxes,” he said.
Wike, however, noted that there must be a proper and civilised approach to tax collection, adding that complaints against tax authorities would be investigated where necessary.
“However, nobody has given us such a report. If we have such a report, we will call AMAC to order because there must be a civilised way to collect taxes,” he stated.
The former Rivers State governor also admitted that tax enforcement in the country had remained a difficult task due to public attitudes towards payment.
“But knowing what we experience too about payment of taxes, it would be difficult for me to say that they are right,” he added.
Wike further stressed that citizens could not expect quality infrastructure and public services without contributing through taxes.
“Nigerians want good infrastructure but don’t want to pay tax. They want everything free in this country,” the minister said.
