The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has said the proposed tax reform bill would bring progress and yield positive results to Nigerians.
Its director general, Mr Lanre Issa-Onilu, stated this at the inauguration of a nationwide sensitisation campaign on five critical national issues in Gombe.
The campaign, themed, “Promoting Awareness, Ethical Values and National Development,” is designed to promote unity and foster a more informed, secured and ethical society.
The five national issues are: World HIV/AIDS Day, security awareness, shunning the get-rich-quick syndrome, World Human Rights Day and tax reforms.
Represented by Nuru Yusuf-Kobi, Director of Planning, Research and Strategy, NOA headquarters, Issa-Onilu said the tax reform would benefit Nigerians and stimulate economic growth in the country.
He said the reforms seek to streamline tax administration and ease the burden on low-income earners, adding that President Bola Tinubu meant well for the citizens, hence initiated reforms that would benefit Nigerians and ensure economic prosperity.
“The tax reform is for the good of the country and Nigerians. Based on these reforms, tax revenue will be used to improve essential public services like schools, hospitals and infrastructure, ensuring citizens see the benefits of their contributions.
“These reforms are designed to ease the burden on hardworking Nigerians, while ensuring everyone contributes fairly,” he said.
The NOA boss said the reforms would address multiple taxation, which has been a major impediment to the business community, as well as make tax processes more transparent.
According to him, new digital systems will be introduced to make tax payments easier, faster and more accountable when the reforms are implemented.
Speaking at a special forum in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, he urged Nigerians to accept the Federal Government’s tax reform policy initiatives.
He said the Federal Government was committed to ensuring a more informed, secure and ethically upright society.
Represented by Mrs Rebecca Nasamu, the Director, General Services, Central Office, Issa-Onilu urged Nigerians to support the Federal Government’s efforts to implement citizens-friendly policies.
The NOA DG said that when enacted, the tax reform bill would be of immense benefits to Nigeria and her citizens.
“It will eradicate double taxation, reduce taxation for low-income earners, and promote transparent digital tax process and social infrastructure development,” he said.
Speaking on security, Issa-Onilu said the Federal Government was expanding policing initiatives aimed at enhancing citizens’ collaboration in the fight against insecurity.
He further said the Federal Government had put measures in place to address the challenges of cyber crime among youths.
The DG said the National Social Investment Programme, Skills Acquisition Programmes, Promotion for Small and Medium Enterprises, were some of the impactful economic initiatives of the current administration. He assured Nigerians that the Bola Tinubu-led government was committed to protecting the dignity of every citizen.
“The government is already strengthening legal frameworks towards addressing human rights violations, gender-based violence and child trafficking,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to support the government’s policies and programmes aimed at reforming the country for the good of the citizens.
“By supporting these efforts, we can create a tax system that not only works for all but also funds development projects to enhance our nation’s progress.”