The federal government plans to increase the number of taxpayers in the country from 14 million presently to about 17 million in the next two years, an increase of 35 per cent.  
Kemi Adeosun, minister of finance, said the government has concluded plans to recruit 7,500 young graduates under its N-Power programme (a social intervention scheme) to act as community tax liaison officers, who are to increase tax awareness and enroll more citizens unto the tax database. Adeosun said they are also to embark on outreach to churches, mosques and markets to make people know what their obligations are on the tax system.
The finance minister also said the aim was to improve revenue generation, reduce Nigeria’s reliance on oil and ensure that the entire economy contributes through tax revenue to its growth and stability.
Nigeria has about 14 million taxpayers out of an estimated 69 million people that are economically active, a level of enrolment Adeosun said is very low. She believes that lack of awareness of the tax system is responsible for default by many people because they do not know the rules.
Adeosun said one of the priorities of the federal government is to get more people enrolled as well as informed about their obligations with regards to the tax system.
“A very good tax system works when a lot of people pay. We think there is a major national education on the tax system that is needed,” she said. Based on the current 14 million taxpayers, the minister said the expected 35 per cent increase will take the total of tax payers to around 17-18 million within the two-year period.
“If we do that, we believe there will be a big increase in revenue across board. If we improve the tax base, we improve the fiscal health of the states and the federal government,” explained Adeosun. 
According to her, the prospective tax liaison officers would be employed on a two-year fixed term contract and attached to the board of Internal Revenue Service, FIRS, of their states. She added that failure of the government to take such steps would deny it a robust base to support government programmes.
The applicants, the minister said must have qualified in accounting, law and mathematics and have the skills to articulate the issues.
Successful liaison officers will undergo a one-week intensive training in Abuja, with follow-up online training in the states.
The young graduates are encouraged to apply through the N-Power website.