Tinubu declares non-taxpayers aren't citizens at Africa CEO Forum in Rwanda

President Bola Tinubu stated that individuals who don't pay taxes aren't citizens, speaking Friday at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda. He linked tax payment to national development, arguing taxation funds hospitals, highways, and pharmaceutical research, while stating: 'A citizen who pays taxes is a citizen... If you are not a taxpayer and not exempted, then you are not a citizen.'

Tinubu made these remarks while discussing how governments finance development, noting everyone wants infrastructure like good hospitals and roads but resists paying for it. He referenced the COVID-19 pandemic as example of why tax revenue must be prioritized for uncertain futures, emphasizing that 'in a world where you cannot predict what exactly you must do, you must think about where the source and application of funds should be engineered.'

The statement implies tax compliance defines Nigerian citizenship, potentially shaping public attitude toward tax obligations and government accountability for service delivery. With Nigeria's tax-to-GDP ratio among Africa's lowest at approximately 6%, this rhetoric may signal stricter enforcement or public campaigns to boost revenue for essential services.

Will you reconsider your tax compliance given Tinubu's citizenship definition, or do you believe citizenship entails other responsibilities beyond tax payment?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/05/15/youre-not-citizen-if-you-dont-pay-tax-tinubu/