The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has affirmed its commitment to leading public enlightenment campaigns to ensure the effective implementation of the Federal Government’s tax reforms, which are set to take effect with the new Tax Act in January 2026.
The commitment was made yesterday in Abuja by the agency’s Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, during a courtesy visit by the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, led by its chairman, Taiwo Oyedele.
Issa-Onilu acknowledged that technology has made it easy for mischievous individuals to spread false news and misleading narratives about the new tax laws.
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He stressed the importance of sensitising Nigerians to the benefits, to counter misinformation being spread by those who are either genuinely ignorant or acting out of mischief to undermine government efforts.
He noted that the new Tax Law will be beneficial as it addresses the issue of double taxation currently experienced by companies, business people, workers, individuals, and investors.
The NOA highlighted its extensive capacity for mass mobilisation, noting its widespread offices across the country with staff trusted by local communities.
The agency can intelligently work with different demographics, engaging groups like associations, CSOs, traders’ unions, women’s groups, and youth groups.
To achieve this wide outreach, the NOA leverages multiple communication platforms.
These include partnerships with over 200 radio stations and 36 television stations, broadcasting in about 72 local languages and utilising Artificial Intelligence through its own voice/chat assistant called CLHEEAN to provide Nigerians with authentic information on all government policies.
Issa-Onilu affirmed that these tools would be used to assist and support the committee in sensitising Nigerians on the new tax laws.
Speaking, Oyedele explained that his committee’s visit was to seek support in pushing out accurate information and countering the pervasive wrong narratives, especially at the grassroots.
Oyedele stated that the misinformation, particularly among groups like farmers, is aimed at making them “hate the government ignorantly.”
He stressed the need to educate Nigerians from all levels and tribes about the benefits they will derive from the new law, suggesting the creation of scenarios featuring farmers, students, and CEOs to counter adverse content.
Both parties agreed to immediately form a joint committee of the NOA and the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms to effectively pursue the agenda of communicating the reforms.
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The new Tax Reforms Bill was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in June as part of efforts to simplify and strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal system.
The visit ended with the exchange of the new tax laws and the National Value Charter plaque.
