“Government Needs Money; Pay Your Taxes,” Wike Tells Nigerians

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged Nigerians to fulfill their tax obligations, emphasizing that the government needs revenue to fund essential public services. Speaking at the inaugural Abuja Business and Investment Summit on Wednesday, Wike stressed that the government, at all levels, requires steady financial inflows to meet its responsibilities.

The summit, organized by the Abuja Investment Company Limited, focused on the theme ‘Optimising Investment Through Partnerships’, aligning with the Federal Government’s strategy to drive investment through collaboration. In his address, Wike countered the misconception that the government does not need to generate income, stating that revenue is crucial to delivering social services.

“The idea that the government doesn’t need money is false,” Wike said. He pointed to past instances of failed public-private partnerships where the government invested heavily in land and funds but did not see returns. “These are the kinds of things the government looks into. How can we bring in money and land, and in the end, the government doesn’t make a dime?”

Wike further highlighted that tax collection is an essential part of maintaining this revenue stream. “When people say the government is not to make money, who told you that? If the government doesn’t make money, how will we provide services? The government needs money,” he asserted.

Encouraging citizens and investors alike to meet their tax obligations, Wike added, “While we provide an enabling environment, we also believe in encouraging you (investors) to get what you are supposed to get, and the government also gets what it is supposed to get. That way, everybody wins.”