The International Budget Partnership Nigeria (IBP Nigeria) is collaborating with the Abia State Internal Revenue Service to improve taxpayer information, strengthen public awareness of tax obligations and establish more effective channels for resolving tax-related complaints.

The initiative follows the implementation of four major Nigerian tax laws in January 2026 and is designed to help taxpayers better understand why they pay taxes, how payments should be made and how the revenue is utilised.

Speaking at a taxpayer consultation on information needs and concerns in Umuahia on Thursday, an IBP Nigeria representative identified as Zi said the organisation was working with the state revenue service to understand the challenges taxpayers face and determine how existing information systems could be improved.

The consultation was held under the theme, “Building Trust in Nigeria’s Tax Reform: Strengthening Tax Grievance Redress Mechanisms and Taxpayer Education.”

Zi explained that the feedback gathered would guide efforts to make tax administration fairer, more transparent and accountable.

“IBP is working in partnership with the Abia State Internal Revenue Service to have a consultation forum to understand the information needs and concerns of taxpayers in Abia.

“This will inform how we will support the State Revenue Service to improve the current taxpayer information system. At the centre of the tax system is the taxpayer, and so we want to ensure that taxpayers are treated fairly, that the system is transparent and accountable to the taxpayers, and that they understand what they are paying for, why they are paying for it and what it is used for,” she said.

She added that IBP Nigeria intended to support the state in strengthening its tax grievance redress mechanism in line with the ongoing national tax reforms.

According to Zi, the organisation had identified ways to improve tax-related communication for different categories of taxpayers, taking into account their local circumstances and information needs.

She said the consultation was also intended to help the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue identify weaknesses in the existing system and develop practical solutions.

Zi disclosed that the engagement would be followed by an action plan outlining the respective responsibilities of IBP Nigeria and the state government, including areas where the organisation would provide support.

She stressed that the partnership was focused on developing workable solutions and ensuring their effective implementation.

Among the challenges identified was the limited understanding among some taxpayers of why they were required to pay taxes.

Zi also noted that some residents were uncertain about the identities and authority of tax collectors operating on behalf of state and local governments.

She further observed that tax information was not always communicated in local languages, including Igbo, making it difficult for some taxpayers to understand their obligations.

She said improving public awareness would require clear explanations of why taxes were collected, the appropriate payment procedures and the purposes for which the revenue was used.

Expressing optimism about the outcome of the consultation, Zi said improved taxpayer understanding could encourage compliance and support the state's revenue generation efforts.

She maintained that taxes remained an important source of government revenue and urged residents to fulfil their obligations once they understood the taxes applicable to them.

IBP Nigeria is implementing the initiative under the Nigeria Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF) Programme to support the Abia and Plateau State Internal Revenue Services in establishing fair, accessible and standardised tax grievance redress mechanisms while strengthening taxpayer education.

The initiative builds on earlier tax grievance redress mechanism pilot programmes conducted in Ondo, Enugu and Jigawa states in collaboration with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's PACE programme.