The National Orientation Agency will use its 16 platforms and the 774 local government offices across the country to sensitise Nigerians and address misconceptions concerning the new tax laws.

NOA director-general Lanre Issa-Onilu announced this at the inauguration of the Joint Committee of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms and NOA on Wednesday in Abuja.

Mr Issa-Onilu said the committee was expected to work on the  Implementation framework of the new tax regime.

“The reform is scheduled to take place from January 1, 2026, aimed at strengthening Nigerian fiscal sustainability, promoting fair inclusion and service delivery,” said Mr Issa-Onilu. “However, these objectives can only be achieved if the citizens understand what the reforms mean for them, why they are necessary and how to be implemented.”

He further explained that NOA would closely work with the tax committee and other groups.

According to him, effective communication is and must remain a two-way process.

Tope Fashua, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on economic affairs, said the joint committee was expected, among other things, to dispel disinformation and misinformation, much of which is already circulating in the space.

“Some people are trying to ensure that the reforms do not succeed. However, we must quickly add that, despite this resistance, this is a pro-poor policy. The new tax reform is to recalibrate the revenues of this country, ensuring that the poorest Nigerians are not touched, except that they are touched positively.

“Nobody is increasing the tax burden on people who are struggling in businesses, SMEs and others of which Nigeria has several million of them. In representing the committee. We’re very glad to be here, and we look forward to great contributions,” Mr Fasua said.

(NAN)