President Bola Tinubu has called on the media to rally behind his administration’s proposed tax reform bills, emphasising their significance in fostering national prosperity and sustainable development.
Speaking at the 2024 Nigerian Media Merit Awards (NNMA) held at the Muson Centre, Lagos, the President, represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the reforms as a crucial step toward creating enduring wealth and prosperity for all Nigerians.
Acknowledging divergent opinions on the proposed reforms, Tinubu stressed the need for a national consensus on overhauling Nigeria’s tax administration system.
He expressed optimism about finding common ground through ongoing dialogue.
“Our policies are deliberate and well-thought-out. We are steering Nigeria toward restoration through a comprehensive approach addressing economic diversification, human capital development, infrastructure expansion, wealth creation, and inclusive growth,” Tinubu stated.
He highlighted that the tax bills before the National Assembly aim to simplify the tax structure, ease the burden on vulnerable citizens, increase state revenues, and encourage business growth through targeted incentives.
Tinubu linked the reforms to other transformative policies under his Renewed Hope Agenda, including subsidy removal, exchange rate unification, and resource redistribution.
He noted that these initiatives have already begun to yield results, citing the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee’s recent record-breaking revenue distribution.
“These revenues are funding impactful initiatives such as the consumer credit scheme, student loan fund, MSME clinics, the 3 million technical talent programme, the presidential CNG initiative, and extensive road infrastructure projects,” he said.
Tinubu also underscored his administration’s commitment to ensuring financial autonomy for local governments, enhancing service delivery at the grassroots.
He therefore,urged the media to amplify the narratives surrounding these reforms to counter misinformation and improve public understanding, noting their vital role in guiding citizens with accurate and purposeful information.
“While my administration guarantees the press’s fundamental rights, this freedom must be exercised responsibly, especially in this digital era, where falsehoods often spread faster than truths,” Tinubu said.
Congratulating the winners of the 2024 NNMA Awards, Tinubu lauded the Nigerian media’s contributions to democracy, recognizing journalists’ courage and professionalism both locally and globally.
In a bid to combat misinformation and hate speech, the President announced the recent approval of funding for the UNESCO Media and Information Literacy Institute (MIL).
The institute, to be established at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Abuja, will equip Nigerians with critical skills to identify credible sources and counter fake news, fostering a more informed society.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding media freedom, urging journalists to continue serving as defenders of democracy and agents of positive change.
