The Federal Government has clarified that the proposed tax reform bills are not designed to dismantle any existing government agency.
This assurance was given by the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, during the launch of a National Sensitisation Campaign in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State.
The campaign also spotlighted key issues such as World HIV Day, security awareness, the fight against the “get-rich-quick” mentality, and World Human Rights Day.
Speaking through the Director of Special Duties and State Operations, Mr. David Akoji, the DG explained that these reforms aim to streamline governance, requiring agencies to present detailed budgetary plans for their operations.
Issa-Onilu highlighted the core components of the reform, comprising four bills: the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.
Once enacted, these bills are expected to eliminate double taxation, offer relief to low-income earners by exempting businesses and earnings below N1 million from taxes, and channel tax revenues into critical public services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
“These reforms are designed to create a tangible impact that Nigerians will see and feel,” he emphasized, urging citizens to familiarize themselves with the details of the policy.
On another note, the DG revealed that NOA has mobilized its resources to reach every local government area nationwide, conducting grassroots awareness campaigns.
Among the priorities is spreading information about HIV/AIDS in collaboration with health authorities to educate and empower communities effectively.