Only between 10% and 19% of Nigerians currently pay taxes — one of the lowest compliance rates in Africa, according to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). In a bid to change this narrative, the agency is focusing on the next generation, launching a new educational initiative aimed at children.
At a recent event in Abuja, the FIRS unveiled a new book titled “Taxation: Essential Knowledge for Nigerian Children.” Speaking on behalf of FIRS Chairman Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Special Adviser on Research and Statistics, Aisha Hamman, emphasized the long-term importance of early tax education.
“When children understand the value of taxes from an early age, they’re more likely to become responsible, tax-compliant adults who hold governments accountable. It’s a win-win for both governance and national development,” she said.
A Child-Friendly Guide to Taxation
Co-authored by Arabirin Atoyebi, the FIRS Chairman’s Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media, the book uses colorful illustrations, stories, and simplified language to explain the concept of taxation in a way that children can easily grasp. Over 60,000 copies have already been printed and will be freely distributed to schools and educational centers across the country, with plans to expand further.
“Most adults fear or avoid taxes simply because they were never taught what taxes are or why they matter. This book addresses that gap from the root — through children — and makes learning about taxes both fun and relatable,” Atoyebi explained.
Part of a Bigger Revenue Strategy
This new initiative supports FIRS’s broader goal of achieving a ₦20 trillion revenue target for 2025. Alongside ongoing tax reforms and public sensitization campaigns, the agency is betting on education to boost long-term compliance.
Dr. Mohammed Abubakar, Managing Director of Sprezzatura Publishing, praised the project as a groundbreaking effort to fill a critical gap in Nigeria’s educational system.
“We grew up with no books or classes on tax. This publication is a game changer that could reshape how young Nigerians view civic responsibility,” he said.
A New Generation, A New Mindset
By integrating tax education into classrooms and making it part of everyday learning, the FIRS hopes to foster a new culture of accountability and civic participation. While immediate change may take time, this strategy plants the seeds for a more informed, tax-compliant population in the years ahead.
