Nigerians Fear Tax Looting, Not Paying Taxes – Ugezu Ugezu

Veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker Ugezu J. Ugezu has said that the major concern of Nigerians is not the payment of taxes but the alleged mismanagement and looting of public funds generated from taxation.

The actor made the remarks in a video shared on his Facebook page while reacting to discussions surrounding the Federal Government’s tax reforms.

According to Ugezu, many Nigerians would willingly comply with tax obligations if they were confident that the funds would be transparently managed and used to improve public services.

He argued that the lack of accountability in the management of public finances has eroded citizens’ trust in the tax system.

“The president is talking about introducing a 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,” he said.

Ugezu stated that government efforts to expand tax collection should be accompanied by greater transparency and accountability regarding the use of public funds.

He questioned why discussions on increasing tax revenue are not matched by visible action against those accused of embezzling government resources.

“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,” he added.

The filmmaker maintained that public confidence would improve if those found guilty of stealing government funds were prosecuted and punished in accordance with the law.

According to him, seeing corrupt officials held accountable would reassure citizens that their tax contributions are being protected and properly managed.

“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,” he said.

Ugezu further stressed that Nigerians would have little difficulty paying taxes if they could clearly see the benefits through improved infrastructure, quality public services and other developmental projects.

“If Nigerians are seeing what their taxes are used for, we will gladly be paying taxes,” he concluded.

His comments come amid ongoing national conversations on tax reforms, fiscal policy and the need for greater accountability in the management of public resources.