NOA inaugurates nationwide drive to build support for tax reforms

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has reaffirmed its commitment to mobilising nationwide support for the Federal Government’s new tax reforms, which take effect in January 2026 when the Tax Act officially comes into force.

The pledge was contained in a statement released on Sunday and signed by Bala Musa, Director of Communications and Media at the Agency.

According to the statement, the NOA Director General, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, committed during a courtesy visit by members of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, led by its chairman, Mr Taiwo Oyedele.

Issa-Onilu warned that the rise of digital media has made it easier for misinformation and misleading narratives about the new tax laws to spread. He stressed the need for sustained public enlightenment to counter false claims—whether borne out of ignorance or deliberate attempts to undermine the government’s reforms.

He noted that the new Tax Act would provide significant relief for Nigerians by addressing issues such as double taxation currently faced by companies, business owners, workers, individual taxpayers and investors.

Highlighting the agency’s capability, the DG said NOA’s nationwide presence, experienced personnel and community engagement structures position it effectively to communicate government policies and national values across diverse demographics.

“We have mapped out engagement strategies across the country to reach associations, civil society groups, traders unions, traditional leaders, women groups, youths and many others,” he said, noting that NOA staff are embedded within communities, making them trusted messengers.

He also pointed to the agency’s extensive media partnerships as a major advantage in disseminating accurate information.

“We work with over 200 radio stations and partner with 36 television stations, collectively broadcasting in about 72 local languages,” Issa-Onilu added.

Earlier, Oyedele explained that the committee’s visit was to seek NOA’s collaboration in educating Nigerians about the benefits of the new tax laws and dispelling widespread misinformation, especially at the grassroots.

“We believe that working together with NOA will ensure accurate information reaches Nigerians, including those in rural communities. There is a lot of misinformation, especially among farmers and informal groups, designed to make them resent government policies,” Oyedele said.

President Bola Tinubu signed the Tax Reforms Bill into law in June as part of efforts to simplify, modernise and strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal system.