By Barr. Chris-Roberts Ozongwu.
Across the world, no society develops without the shared contributions of its people. Roads, schools, hospitals, electricity, clean water, and security all come at a cost. For Enugu State to truly grow, every citizen has a role to play—and one of the most important ways we play that role is through the taxes we pay.
Not long ago, Enugu played host to the just concluded Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Conference at the magnificent International Conference Centre. That event, which attracted some of the brightest legal minds from across the country, was more than a gathering of professionals—it was a testament to what collective contributions through taxation can achieve. Without the steady investment of tax resources, such a world-class facility would not have been possible, and Enugu would not have proudly stood in the national spotlight as a hub for ideas, innovation, and progress.
This is the simple truth about taxes: they are not mere levies or burdens; they are the seeds of development. When we pay, we invest. And when we invest, we reap the harvest in roads, schools, hospitals, clean water, and modern facilities like the Conference Centre that give Enugu its pride of place.
Governor Peter Mbah has consistently emphasized that his vision is to make Enugu State an investment hub and a tourism destination, not only within Nigeria but across Africa. Landmark initiatives such as Enugu Air, the state-owned airline, and the ultra-modern 300-bed Specialist Hospital are clear examples of this vision. Both projects, along with other infrastructure drives, are designed to be private sector–driven, ensuring that Enugu’s economy grows beyond government spending and into a self-sustaining, investment-friendly environment. The Governor’s broader intention is to position Enugu as the preferred state for living, investment, and tourism by providing the infrastructure, healthcare, and connectivity that attract businesses, investors, and visitors alike. None of this can happen without the contributions of the people. Our taxes are the foundation upon which this dream rests.
In the coming weeks, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of government will be engaging in budget bilateral discussions. In these sessions, each MDA will present its projects and estimates, aligning them with the administration’s priorities and the people’s needs. This is not just a bureaucratic exercise—it is a process that ensures accountability and guarantees that the taxes paid by citizens are tied directly to projects that matter. It is an opportunity to ask: how much was collected, how was it used, and what more should be done? That is how a responsible government keeps faith with its people.
Even more importantly, citizens themselves will soon have the chance to make their voices heard in structured engagements where they can outline the needs of their communities. From rural roads and boreholes, to health centres, schools, and electricity, people will sit at the table of governance to say, “These are the projects we want in our communities.” This participatory approach ensures that every tax naira is not only working, but working in the right places for the right people.
A businessman paying his dues is helping to build the markets and transport systems that will bring him more customers. A teacher paying her tax is contributing to the better schools where her children will learn. A driver paying his levies is investing in smoother roads that will save him fuel and time.
The successes we celebrate today—the NBA Conference at the International Conference Centre, the budgetary discipline that keeps government spending in check, the projects already springing up across the state—are proof that our sacrifices are not in vain. They show that truly, My Tax is My Investment, and My Tax is Working.
When every citizen embraces this mindset, development will no longer be something we wait for; it will be something we build together. Enugu belongs to all of us, and through our taxes, we can make it the shining light of the Southeast, a true investment hub, and a tourism destination we will all be proud of.
These visible projects in transportation, health, roads, education, leisure, tourism etc were deliberately calibrated, each complimenting each other that will drive growth through investment by the private sector thus elevating our GDP from $4.4 to $30 billion before the end of his stewardship as Governor.
Tomorrow is Here.