Nollywood filmmaker Ugezu J. Ugezu has weighed in on Nigeria's ongoing conversation around taxation, arguing that the real concern for many citizens is not paying taxes but the fear that public funds will be mismanaged or stolen.
The actor and producer shared his views in a video posted on his Facebook page, where he stressed that Nigerians are willing to fulfil their civic responsibility if there is transparency and accountability in the management of tax revenues.
According to Ugezu, public confidence in the country's tax system has been eroded by repeated cases of corruption and the alleged looting of government funds. He maintained that many citizens question the value of paying taxes when they do not see corresponding improvements in infrastructure, public services, or other developmental projects.
He also called on the government to demonstrate a stronger commitment to prosecuting individuals accused of embezzling public funds, saying such actions would encourage greater trust in the system.
Speaking in the video, Ugezu said:
“The president is talking about introducing tax law. Let me be very sincere with you. Nigerians are not afraid of paying taxes. Nigerians are rather afraid of somebody looting the taxes they have paid, and we have seen it happen.
“You cannot be planning how you are going to tax the people, and you are not telling us what happened to the money that is being looted. So, an average Nigerian is afraid that if you pay taxes, they will loot it.
“Now, if there is a system whereby people who are stealing government money are being made to face the law and we are seeing that the looters are being punished, we will be happy.
“If Nigerians are seeing what their taxes are used for, we will gladly be paying taxes.”
Ugezu's comments come amid continued public discussions over tax reforms and government revenue generation, with many Nigerians insisting that improved accountability and prudent management of public funds should accompany any efforts to expand the country's tax base. His remarks have since sparked conversations online, with supporters arguing that transparency remains key to building public trust in the nation's tax system.