In a bold move to foster a culture of tax compliance and civic responsibility from an early age, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has urged the integration of tax education into Nigeria’s school curriculum. This call was made by the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, during the official launch of the educational book titled “Taxation: Essential Knowledge for Nigerian Children” in Abuja.
Dr. Adedeji highlighted that the long-term solution to Nigeria’s persistent tax compliance challenges lies in raising a generation that understands the importance of taxation as a civic duty. According to him, instilling this knowledge early will not only enhance future compliance rates but also encourage transparency and accountability in public finance.
“As we build the Nigeria of our dreams, it is critical to educate our children about the essence of taxation, not just as a tool for revenue generation, but as a foundation for national development,” Adedeji stated.
The initiative, which forms part of FIRS’s broader campaign on financial literacy and public engagement, will see over 50,000 free copies of the book distributed to schools across the country. The book simplifies complex tax concepts for children and aims to empower them with a sense of ownership and responsibility regarding national resources.
Stakeholders at the event applauded the move as timely and forward-thinking. Many believe that such educational interventions are crucial to nurturing informed citizens who understand the direct link between taxes and infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social welfare.
With this step, FIRS signals a shift from reactive enforcement to proactive education — a strategy that could redefine Nigeria’s tax culture in the coming decades.