The National Orientation Agency (NOA) will use its 16 platforms and the 774 local government offices across the country to sensitise Nigerians and address misconception concerning the new tax laws.
The Director-General of NOA, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, made the disclosure at the inauguration of the the Joint Committee of the Presidential committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms and NOA on Wednesday in Abuja.
Issa-Onilu was represented by the Director of Planning Research and Statistics of NOA, Mr. Nura Akobi.
Issa-Onilu said the committee was expected to work on the Implementation framework of the new tax regime.
“The reform is scheduled to take place from Jan. 1, 2026, aimed at strengthening Nigerian fiscal sustainability, promoting fair inclusion and service delivery.
“However, these objectives can only be achieved if the citizens understand what the reforms mean for them, why they are necessary and how to be implemented.
“Decentralisation, therefore, is not an ad hoc. It is a core pillar of successful reform. This joint committee is established to serve as a bridge between the policy and the people.
“Its mandate is to design and coordinate a nationwide inclusive awareness framework that deliver clear, accurate and accessible information to Nigerians across all regions and social groups.
“Our task is to address misconception, reduce anxiety, counter misinformation and ensure that no Nigerians is left behind or unheard in this process.
“We are going to use our 16 platforms, including the different forms of the media and others across the 774 local government areas across the country,” Issa-Onilu said.
He further explained that NOA would closely work with the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Engaged Community, Civil Society Groups and then the informal sector, listen as much as it speak.
According to him, effective communication is and must remain a two-way process.
“NOA brings to this partnership two or three mandates; nationwide presence across all the 774 local governments, and grassroot engagements.
“The Presidential Committee contributes technical expertise to our reform leadership.
“The media whose presence we deeply appreciate are indispensable partners in ensuring accuracy, transparency, and public confidence throughout this reform journey.
“While this committee is technically in composition, stakeholder engagement pathways will enhance smooth, informed, and people-centered implementation of the reforms,” Issa-Onilu said.
Also speaking, Mr Tope Fashua, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Economic Affairs, said that the joint committee was expected among other things to dispel disinformation and misinformation, a lot of which are already in the space now.
“Some people are trying to ensure that the reforms do not succeed. However, we must quickly say that, of course, in spite of this resistance, this is a pro-poor policy.
“The new tax reform is to recalibrate the revenues of this country that ensures that the poorest Nigerians are not touched, except they are touched positively.
“Nobody is increasing the tax burden on people who are struggling on businesses, SMEs and others of which Nigeria has several millions of them.
“In representing the committee. We’re very glad to be here and we look forward to great contributions,” Fasua said
