ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Ogun State Internal Revenue Service has called on residents to fulfil their civic obligations by paying their taxes promptly, stating that tax revenue remains vital for the provision of infrastructure and the implementation of developmental projects across the state.
The appeal was made during a tax awareness programme organised by OGIRS in collaboration with the Abeokuta, Ota and Mowe-Arepo District Societies of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.
The event was themed, “Tax Awareness for National Growth: Reform, Compliance and Shared Prosperity.”
Speaking at the flag-off of the tax sensitisation campaign in Abeokuta, the Executive Chairman of OGIRS, Olugbenga Olaleye, emphasised the importance of continuous public enlightenment on tax obligations and compliance.
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Represented by the Coordinating Director of OGIRS, Taiwo Ogundimu, Olaleye commended the three CITN district societies for partnering with the agency to promote tax education.
“Every taxpayer is expected to pay appropriate taxes, hence the need for this awareness campaign that is designed to educate residents on the tax reforms, benefits of voluntary tax compliance and its contribution to sustainable development,” Olaleye said.
He also urged taxpayers to remit their taxes promptly, noting that tax revenue remains critical to the delivery of infrastructure and developmental projects across Ogun State.
The programme featured sensitisation campaigns in major markets and commercial centres across the three CITN district societies.
In Abeokuta, the campaign covered Omida Market, Kuto, Computer Village and Oke-Ilewo. The Mowe-Arepo District team visited Magboro and major shopping malls, while the Ota District campaign extended to Joju Bus Stop, Adalemo, Under Bridge, Sango and Toll Gate Junction.
As part of the initiative, selected secondary schools, including Mercyland School, Folarin Dalley College, Sacred Heart Catholic School and Comprehensive High School, Ayetoro, participated in a tax quiz competition. Market women were also sensitised on the importance of prompt tax payment.
Speaking during a live programme on Ogun State Television, the Director of Tax Audit and Investigation at OGIRS and the 10th Chairman of the CITN Abeokuta District Society, Mr Lawrence Adetona, said the National Tax Awareness Day was introduced by the institute to mark the signing of the tax reform bills into law.
“The reform has harmonised various tax laws into a unified framework, thereby simplifying compliance for taxpayers,” Adetona said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Planning Committee of the CITN Abeokuta District Society, Mrs Bosede Opawande, said the new tax law would offer significant relief to low-income earners.
“The reform was designed to tax prosperity rather than poverty while ensuring fairness and inclusiveness in the tax system. Paying taxes remains a constitutional responsibility of every citizen,” Opawande said.
According to the organisers, the two-day programme also featured a tax walk, radio engagements, tax clinics, SME and business sensitisation sessions, public lectures and seminars aimed at strengthening tax culture and promoting voluntary tax compliance across Ogun State.