By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has flagged off its nationwide continuous sensitisation campaign in Abia, urging residents to accept the Tax
Reforms by the Federal Government, because it will bring benefits to the citizenry.
Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director General of the Agency said this on Monday during the event in Umuahia.
The campaign is focused on addressing five critical areas central to the nation’s well-being, unity and development, which include World HIV/AIDS Day, Security Awareness, shunning Get-Rich-Quick Syndrome ,World Human Rights Day and Tax Reforms.
The theme of the campaign is “Promoting Awareness, Ethical Values and National Development”.
The Director-General, represented by Mrs. Theresa Maduekwe, the Director of Public Enlightenment and Mass Mobilisation, described the tax reforms as essential for funding socioeconomic development in the country.
“We recognise that taxation has been a source of concern for many Nigerians due to issues like multiple taxation and its impact on low-income earners.
“To address these challenges, the government is implementing reforms to make the system fairer and less burdensome for citizens.
“These reforms are designed to ease the burden on hardworking Nigerians, while ensuring everyone contributes fairly.
“By supporting this effort, we can create a tax system that works for all and funds the developmental projects that will improve our nation,” he said.
Issa-Onilu said that the reform will address multiple taxation, ensure low-income earners pay very little taxes, and introduce innovative digital systems to make payments easier, faster and more accountable.
He also said that the reforms would ensure that the impact of taxes would be visible and beneficial to the citizens.
Issa-Onilu further said that revenues under the reformed tax system would be used to adequately improve essential public services like schools, hospitals and infrastructure.
According to him, the bill seeks to bring everything about taxes in the country under four different pieces of legislation.
He said that the bills include : the Nigeria Tax Bill, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill and Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.
“For instance, the Nigeria Tax Bill is where taxes imposed on individuals and companies are clearly stated as well as the rates.
“This bill is just like a compendium of taxes charged in Nigeria and it basically amalgamated all the existing laws in which provisions for taxation was made.
“When passed, this bill will lead to the repeal of the 11 laws that contain provisions on imposition and collection of taxes,” he said.
Issa-Onilu also called on relevant stakeholders to actively contribute to the campaign against HIV/AIDS, Get-Rich-Quick Syndrome, insecurity and human rights violation.
He described the campaign as a call to action, because it provides an opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate with government to address these challenges for optimal results.
“Together, we must create a society that is healthy, secure, ethical and united in purpose,”Issa-Onilu said.
Also, the State Director of NOA, Mrs Regina Iroha, said that in line with the agency’s mandate the continuous sensitisation campaign on five critical areas was initiated.
Iroha said: “The essence is to initiate a collaborative effort between the government and stakeholders, especially the media, to address these areas of concern, and essentially achieve success.”
