The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticized Nigerians over what he described as the widespread refusal to pay taxes while demanding quality infrastructure from the government.
Speaking on Wednesday during an inspection of ongoing road projects across the FCT, the former Rivers State governor said many citizens are quick to condemn tax authorities but unwilling to fulfill their civic responsibilities.
Wike explained that although there should be a proper and civilized method of tax collection, Nigerians must also understand that development cannot happen without revenue generation.
“I’m not trying to defend AMAC on the issue of tax, but Nigerians don’t like paying taxes. At the same time, they want good roads and infrastructure,” he said.
The minister added that if any complaints of misconduct against the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) are officially reported, the authorities would take necessary action.
He stressed that no country can provide free services without citizens contributing through taxation, insisting that improved infrastructure depends largely on tax payments.
Wike’s remarks come amid continued public criticism of the tax reform policies introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following the removal of fuel subsidy, which many Nigerians say has worsened economic hardship.
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