Professor Ali Ahmad, former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, has emphasized the important role of the media in fostering transparency and accountability in tax reform legislation.
Speaking at a Strategic Media Seminar organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sobi FM Chapel in collaboration with the Nigerian Media Parliament (NMP) on Wednesday in Ilorin, he described the media as a critical bridge between the government and citizens, especially in addressing public distrust in tax administration.
Delivering a keynote address at the seminar themed “The Role of Media in Promoting Transparency and Accountability in Tax Reformation Legislation,” Prof. Ahmad noted that the media must educate, advocate, and hold government officials accountable to build trust and ensure voluntary tax compliance.
“Public trust in the management of public finances, including taxation, is very low. The media is under obligation to hold the government accountable for the efficient utilization of tax proceeds for the benefit of the people,” he stated.
Prof. Ahmad, who highlighted the successes of Kwara State’s tax reforms during his tenure as Speaker, where transparency in tax administration led to improved compliance, described Taxation as the backbone of any nation’s development. It is the lifeblood that finances public infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, and countless other aspects of governance. Yet, taxation often encounters resistance, misconceptions by the people and mismanagement by the government, leading to erosion of public trust. This is where the media comes in, as both a watchdog and a
bridge between lawmakers and the public.
Prof. Ahmad cited the establishment of the Kwara Infrastructure Fund and the allocation of tax revenues for critical projects as innovative strategies that balanced government and citizens’ interests.
The former lawmaker stressed that media practitioners play a vital role in shaping public perception of tax policies, demystifying complex legislation, and ensuring fairness in tax reforms.
He stressed the need for the media to advocate for public hearings and stakeholder engagement in legislative processes, drawing lessons from South Africa, where public participation is constitutionally mandated in lawmaking.
Despite the immense power of the media, Prof. Ahmad acknowledged the challenges it faces, including limited access to information and political interference.
He urged collaboration between the media, civil society, and academia to strengthen accountability mechanisms.
“Advancing tax reform requires a synergy of efforts from the media, legislators, policymakers, and citizens. Together, we can create a system where taxation is not seen as a burden but as an investment in our collective prosperity,” he concluded.
The seminar, held at the Sobi FM Conference Room, brought together media professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to deliberate on the intersection of governance, taxation, and public accountability.