NOA urges A’Ibom citizens to support new tax reform

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Akwa Ibom citizens to support the Federal Government’s new tax reform to enhance the economic development of the country.

The Akwa Ibom State Director of NOA, Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, said this while briefing newsmen in Uyo on Monday.

Mkpoutom said that the new tax reform was a crucial milestone in the economic development of the nation.

“The new tax reform signals the government’s intent to enhance revenue generation, improve transparency, and create a fairer system for both taxpayers and the state.

“This tax reform holds significant promise for the country’s fiscal stability and growth,” Mkpoutom said.

Mkpoutom said that Nigeria’s tax system has historically faced challenges such as a narrow tax base, tax evasion, poor compliance, and inefficient tax collection.

According to him, these challenges have over the years limited government revenue, constraining funding for infrastructure, social services, and development projects.

The state director highlighted some of the objectives of the new tax reform to include boosting non-oil revenue to reduce dependence on oil and broadening the tax base while easing the burden on low-income earners.

He added that the new tax reform would promote fairness by ensuring higher earners pay more, and simplify tax laws to reduce confusion and multiple taxation.

“The new tax reform will strengthen tax administration through digital systems, support MSMEs and promote sustainable business growth, reduce government borrowing, and align with global tax standards,” he said.

He assured that NOA with offices across the 31 Local Government Areas of the state would continue to create awareness among Akwa Ibom people about the new tax reform.

“As the State Director of NOA Akwa Ibom, I call upon all stakeholders, especially the citizenry, to embrace this change through active learning, compliance, and advocacy,” he said.