The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has called on Journalists to embrace responsible, balanced and factual reporting on tax matters to strengthen public trust, accountability and sustainable national development.
Speaking at the 2026 Press Week Public Lecture and Award organised by the NUJ Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Chapel in Abuja.
Ike stressed that tax issues should not be left to economists and accountants alone, noting that the media has a crucial role in helping citizens understand how tax compliance supports community growth and better public services.
The event, themed “Tax Compliance and Good Governance in the FCT,” brought together government officials, media practitioners, civil society organisations, development partners and other stakeholders.
Comrade Ike urged journalists to serve as a bridge between tax authorities, policymakers and citizens by providing accurate information, encouraging informed public discourse and ensuring that citizens’ concerns receive equal attention alongside government perspectives.
She advised media professionals to avoid sensationalism, verify facts before publication, provide context in tax-related reports and focus on stories that demonstrate how tax policies impact infrastructure, healthcare, education and other essential public services.
According to her, Nigerians deserve to know how tax revenues are utilised and should continue to demand transparency and accountability from public office holders.
“Tax compliance is not only a legal obligation but also a civic responsibility that enables government to provide essential services,” she said.
She also advocated stronger collaboration among the media, tax authorities, civil society organisations and citizens to promote credible reporting, transparent governance and inclusive development.
Ike maintained that greater public trust, improved tax compliance and accountable governance are indispensable for sustainable development and reducing inequality.
She appreciated stakeholders for participating in the programme and reaffirmed the commitment of the NUJ FCT Council to working with relevant institutions to promote tax awareness, compliance and good governance.
The NUJ FCT Council chairman further urged participants to sustain discussions beyond the event, describing collaboration between the media and public institutions as vital to improving service delivery and national development.
Responding, the Chairman NUJ- FCTA Chapel, Comrade Ufomba Ngozi Uloma, called on journalists to intensify public enlightenment on tax compliance and good governance to foster sustainable development in the Federal Capital Territory.
Uloma said the media has a strategic responsibility to educate citizens, promote transparency, hold government accountable and support policies that drive development.
She noted that tax compliance provides the resources required for government to deliver critical services such as infrastructure, healthcare, education and security, while good governance ensures taxpayers receive value for their contributions through transparency and accountability.
She urged Journalists covering the FCT Administration to bridge the information gap between government and the public by explaining government policies, exposing revenue leakages and highlighting best practices that strengthen public confidence in public institutions.
Uloma added that the Press Week Award and Investiture Ceremony was organised to honour individuals and organisations that have made outstanding contributions to governance, journalism and women’s empowerment in the FCT, expressing hope that the recognition would inspire greater commitment to national development.