By Precious Orunduyi

A financial analyst, Kofoworola Akinjo, has asserted that every Nigerian, including  infants pay tax either directly or indirectly.

Akinjo made this remark on while featuring as a guest on State of the Nation, a breakfast programme aired on Crest 106.1 FM, Akure.

His comment was in reaction to a recent assertion by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that Nigeria’s net fund is insufficient due to inadequate tax compliance among citizens.

He explained that payment of tax, in one form or another, is inevitable and binding on every individual residing in the country, regardless of age or status.

“Direct or indirect payment of tax is compulsory for everyone in this country, even for a baby that is being breastfed,” he said.

The analyst, however, attributed the low level of voluntary tax compliance to a general perception of government inefficiency, noting that many citizens are reluctant to pay because they do not feel the impact of governance.

“Most people don’t pay tax because they claim not to see what the government has done for them to justify payment,” Akinjo stated.

He maintained that taxes would be more willingly paid if citizens were satisfied with the government’s performance and visible developmental outcomes.

“Taxes should be happily paid for if the government satisfies the people with the results that come with paying it,” he concluded.