FIRS calls for tax education in primary, secondary schools

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has called for the integration of tax education into Nigeria’s primary and secondary school curriculum to promote a culture of voluntary tax compliance from an early age.

The Executive Chairman of FIRS, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, appealed the launch of a new book titled “Taxation: Essential Knowledge for Nigerian Children” in Abuja, as part of the 2025 Children’s Day celebration. His speech was delivered by Associate Professor Aisha Hamman, Special Adviser on Research and Statistics.

Adedeji stressed that taxation plays a vital role in funding essential services such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and national security. He said early education on taxation would help children grow into informed and responsible citizens.

“Tax education has remained largely limited to boardrooms and policy discussions, leaving young people unaware of their civic duties,” he said. “It’s easier to raise tax-compliant children than to reform tax-dodging adults.”

He added that by incorporating tax studies into the curriculum at basic education levels, children would grow up understanding the importance of taxes and the role they play in national development.

According to Adedeji, the newly launched book simplifies tax concepts for children, aiming to instill civic responsibility and promote early financial literacy. He noted that existing initiatives such as Tax Clubs and Youth Tax Workshops are already contributing to this goal.

“When children learn about taxation early, they become empowered to make informed decisions and hold leaders accountable,” he added.

FIRS also plans to distribute over 50,000 free copies of the book to schools, libraries, and universities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The agency called on educators, government bodies, and private partners to support the initiative through reading sessions, competitions, and awareness campaigns.

Former FIRS Executive Chairperson, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru, who attended the event, lauded the effort and stressed the need for transparency and accountability in tax collection and usage.

Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, technical adviser on broadcast media to the FIRS chairman and co-author of the book, described the launch as a significant step toward building financial awareness and civic responsibility among Nigerian children.