As Nigerians continue to debate the tax reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the National Orientation Agency has launched a sensitization campaign aimed at educating the public on this issue.
The campaign was inaugurated by the Director General of the agency, Mallam Issa Onilu, who seeks to raise awareness about the importance of the reforms and the reasons for embracing them.
He emphasized that taxation is essential for funding national development, but acknowledged that it has become a source of concern for many Nigerians due to issues such as 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.
“I want to briefly breakdown the tax reform bills in a very concise and easily understood manner.The tax reform bills are four different bills that seeks to bring everything about taxation and administration of tax in Nigeria under four different pieces of legislation.
“The bills are as follows: The Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill
“For instance: The Nigeria Tax Bill is where all major taxes imposed on individuals and companies are clearly stated as well as the rates.
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“This bill is just like a compendium of taxes charged in Nigeria.
“The Nigeria Tax Bill basically amalgamated all the existing laws in which provisions for taxation was made, when passed, this bill will lead to the repeal of 11 laws that contain provisions on imposition and collection of taxes”.
He further highlighted some of the major benefits of the bills which includes, eradication of double tax and Support for Low-Income Earners.
Others includes simpler and transparent processes, which will be with new digital systems as well as visible impact of Taxes.
“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 development projects that will improve our nation.
“A Nationwide movement for change this campaign represents more than government initiatives—it is a call to action for every Nigerian to join hands in addressing these five critical issues”.
