ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Executive Secretary of the West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF), Mr. Jules Tapsoba, has emphasized the critical role of the media in promoting tax awareness and strengthening the link between taxation and sustainable development across West Africa.
Speaking today at WATAF Headquarters in Abuja during a courtesy visit by immediate past Chairman of the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN), Mr. Nduka Chiejina, Mr. Tapsoba highlighted that simplified and transparent tax systems and processes are essential to improving compliance and boosting revenue growth in the region.
He noted that journalists, as credible and trusted sources of information, have a pivotal responsibility in helping the public understand the value and impact of taxation.
“We must all be able to clearly connect taxation to development. The media has the capacity to inform and educate citizens on this relationship, and your role is extremely important,” Mr. Tapsoba stated.
Mr. Tapsoba said the work of professional media can also foster transparency and productive tax system, by pushing accountability and benefits of taxation.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the Nigerian journalist to engage with WATAF’s new Manager for Communication and IT, Mr. Danicius Kaihenneh Sengbeh, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen strategic communication and stakeholder engagement across the region.
Mr. Tapsoba reaffirmed WATAF’s commitment to working closely with the media to amplify regional tax issues, enhance public understanding, and support domestic resource mobilization efforts among member countries.
Mr. Chiejina, who works with The Nation Newspaper is a member of the African Tax Media Network. He commended WATAF’s leadership in fostering collaboration between tax institutions and the media and called for a stronger partnership with the media in highlighting its development.
About WATAF
The West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) is a regional body that brings together tax administrations across West Africa to strengthen domestic resource mobilization through cooperation, capacity development, and knowledge sharing. WATAF plays a leading role in shaping regional tax policy dialogue and supporting the modernization and harmonization of tax systems in line with regional and international standards.
Media Contact
Danicius Kaihenneh Sengbeh
Manager, Communication & IT
West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF)
T: +234 7026058270
W: +231 777586531
E: danicius.Sengbeh@wataf-tax.org
W: www.wataf-tax.org
