FIRS Unveils Tax Education Book for Children, Targets Early Civic Responsibility

A wave of excitement swept through Abuja on Tuesday as the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) launched the book “Taxation: Essential Knowledge for Nigerian Children.” Held in celebration of the 2025 Children’s Day, the event attracted pupils and educators from numerous schools, creating an energetic atmosphere focused on learning and civic values.

Dr. Zacch Adedeji, the Executive Chairman of FIRS, addressed the audience during the official unveiling of the book. Represented by his Special Assistant on Research and Statistics, Dr. Aisha Mahmoud Hamman, Adedeji emphasized the imperative to foster awareness among the forthcoming generation of Nigerians to ensure tax compliance.

He lamented the disheartening statistic that fewer than 19 percent of Nigerians contribute taxes, according to studies conducted by the agency.

The FIRS chief described this figure as woefully inadequate when compared to other nations, even within Africa, such as Egypt and South Africa.

Highlighting the importance of instilling taxation knowledge in students, he stated, “We have wholeheartedly supported the publication of this book as we have conducted several studies that demonstrate a positive correlation between tax education and compliance.

“Thus, when children are educated, they mature into responsible citizens who fulfill their tax obligations and act with integrity.

“We must cultivate awareness among our youth, as it is simpler for young children to develop tax compliance as they mature, rather than reforming tax-evading adults. When you nurture tax-compliant children, you naturally anticipate them to hold governmental authorities accountable.

“When they are instructed in subjects related to taxation at primary and secondary school levels, by the time they reach university, they already possess knowledge of this civic duty. Consequently, it will not solely be accounting students who are well-versed in taxation.”

Former FIRS Executive Chairman, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru, who attended the event, commended the initiative, asserting the necessity for transparency and accountability in the collection and utilization of tax revenues in the country.

Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, who co-authored the book with Ejiura Blessing Haruna, explained that the publication represents a bold step in introducing Nigerian children to the fundamentals of taxation, thereby fostering early financial literacy and civic responsibility.

Atoyebi, the technical adviser for broadcast media to the FIRS chief, revealed that over 50,000 copies of the book have been printed for complimentary distribution to schools, libraries, and universities across the six geopolitical zones of the nation.