“As Long As You Are Making Money, Alright? You Are Supposed To Pay Tax–Sowore

According to a report by The Cable, on Sunday, October 11, 2026, Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has urged the Federal Government to expand Nigeria’s tax base rather than introduce additional taxes on citizens.

Sowore said the government could increase its revenue by ensuring that individuals and businesses liable to pay taxes fulfil their obligations.

He made the remarks during an interview on African Independent Television (AIT) on Saturday, where he discussed the need for an effective tax system that would enable the government to generate sufficient revenue to fund public services.

The AAC presidential candidate maintained that improving tax compliance should be a priority instead of placing additional tax burdens on Nigerians who are already required to meet their existing financial obligations.

Sowore argued that the government could improve its revenue collection by identifying more taxable individuals and businesses and ensuring that those who fall within the tax system pay what they owe.

According to him, expanding the tax base would allow the government to generate more revenue from people and organisations that are legally required to contribute through taxation.

He maintained that the focus should be on making the existing tax system more effective rather than continuously introducing new taxes as a means of increasing government income.

His position was that a broader tax base could help the government mobilise additional resources without necessarily imposing new tax obligations on people who are already struggling with the cost of living.

The AAC presidential candidate also linked tax compliance to the government’s responsibility to provide public services.

He said individuals who earn taxable income should fulfil their tax obligations to enable the government to carry out its responsibilities.

Sowore maintained that taxation should be connected to the delivery of services and the fulfilment of government promises to the public.

He argued that when people and businesses liable to pay taxes meet their obligations, the government can generate revenue needed to support public programmes and provide services to citizens.

His comments highlighted the importance of ensuring that tax collection reaches those who are required to contribute under the law.

During the interview, Sowore stressed that earning money that is subject to taxation comes with an obligation to pay the appropriate tax.

He said compliance should apply to individuals and businesses whose earnings fall within the taxable category, rather than allowing some taxpayers to avoid their responsibilities while the government seeks additional revenue from the wider population.

According to him, ensuring that liable taxpayers meet their obligations would help improve the government’s ability to raise funds.

He maintained that the authorities should concentrate on enforcing tax requirements fairly and broadening the number of people and businesses contributing to public revenue.

Sowore’s position centres on expanding the tax base and improving compliance as alternatives to introducing additional taxes.

Under this approach, the government would seek to increase the number of eligible taxpayers who fulfil their obligations and strengthen the collection of taxes already provided for under the law.

The AAC candidate said such measures could support the government’s ability to finance public services and meet its commitments to citizens.

His remarks also placed emphasis on the relationship between the payment of taxes and the services the government says it will deliver.

However, his comments during the interview, as provided, did not specify particular tax reforms, revenue targets or enforcement measures that the government should adopt to achieve the proposed expansion.

Explaining his position on the responsibility of individuals who earn taxable income, Sowore said tax payments should help the government fulfil its obligations to the public.

He maintained that the authorities should ensure that people who make money and are required to pay taxes comply with the relevant rules, rather than relying primarily on the introduction of new taxes to increase revenue.

He said, “As long as you are making money, alright? You are supposed to pay tax and ensure that governments can do what they say they will deliver to you.”

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