It will ease burden on Nigerians – NOA mobilises support for tax reform bills

The Director General of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, says the proposed tax reform by the Federal Government would make life better for Nigerians.
Issa-Onilu, while addressing a news conference on Friday in Osogbo, said taxation was essential for funding national development.

He was represented by Mrs Olubukola Olorunfemi, NOA Director of Community Outreach and Development.

The NOA boss, however, said the government recognised that the proposed tax had been a source of concern for many Nigerians.

He said the concerns of Nigerians were hinged on issues such as multiple taxation and its impact on low-income earners.

Issa-Onilu, however, said the intention of the government about the tax bill reform was to make the tax system fairer and less burdensome for citizens.

He said the tax reform bills were aimed at bringing everything about taxation and the administration of tax in Nigeria under four different pieces of legislation.

He listed the four tax reform bills to include; the Nigeria tax, Tax administration, Nigeria revenue service establishment, and Joint Revenue Board establishment.

According to him, the tax bills are aimed at eliminating double taxation, supporting low-income earners, and creating simpler and more transparent tax collection processes.

He said that the bill was also aimed at making use of collected taxes to visibly improve essential public services like schools, hospitals, and infrastructure, among others.

“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,” he said

Issa-Onilu also said the government had intensified efforts in the fight against the scourge of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV/AIDS.

The NOA boss said the government had been providing free, accessible HIV testing and counselling services nationwide with the provision of antiretroviral treatment for people living with the virus.

He, however, said the government alone could not win the fight against HIV/AIDS, adding that citizens must take advantage of the services provided by the government and other entities.

“Citizens must also practice responsible health behaviours, and support those living with HIV/AIDS,” he said.