By Gabriel Ameh
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has reiterated its commitment to mobilising public understanding and support for the Federal Government’s new tax reforms scheduled to take effect in January 2026.
This was contained in a statement signed by Bala Musa, Director, Communications and Media, National Orientation Agency NOA
Director General of the Agency, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, gave the assurance on Thursday when he received the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, and his team during a courtesy visit to the NOA headquarters in Abuja.
Issa-Onilu warned that the growing spread of fake news and misleading narratives about the tax reforms amplified by technology could undermine the government’s efforts if not properly addressed. He stressed the importance of educating citizens on the benefits of the new Tax Act, especially provisions designed to eliminate multiple taxation affecting businesses, investors, workers and ordinary Nigerians.
According to him, the Agency is fully equipped to carry out extensive public enlightenment campaigns, leveraging its nationwide presence, community engagement structures, and well-trained personnel.
“We have carried out nationwide mapping for engagements with various groups—professional bodies, CSOs, trade unions, community leaders, women groups, and youths,” he said. “Our officers are drawn from the communities they serve, so the people trust them. That gives us a unique advantage in countering misinformation.”
The DG also highlighted NOA’s strong media partnerships, noting that the Agency works with more than 200 radio stations and 36 television stations broadcasting in over 72 local languages providing deep penetration into communities across Nigeria.
Issa-Onilu further disclosed that the Agency is deploying modern technology, including artificial intelligence, to enhance public communication. He revealed that the NOA recently launched its own interactive AI assistant, CLHEEAN, which allows Nigerians to access accurate information on government policies.
“These are tools we will use to support the Committee in sensitising Nigerians on the new tax laws,” he added.
Earlier, the Committee Chairman, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, explained that the visit was aimed at seeking NOA’s support in disseminating factual information about the tax reforms and correcting pervasive misinformation, especially at the grassroots.
Oyedele expressed concern about deliberate distortions of the new laws, noting that some groups including farmers, traders, and rural populations were being misled to believe the reforms were harmful.
“We believe that working with NOA will help deliver the right information to Nigerians at all levels. Once people understand the benefits, they will support the reforms rather than oppose them,” he said.
He also suggested the use of relatable scenarios featuring farmers, students, CEOs and other everyday Nigerians to help demonstrate the practical benefits of the new tax laws and counter misleading content circulating online.
Both sides agreed to establish a joint NOA–Fiscal Reform Committee working group to drive coordinated public communication and ensure clarity on the objectives of the tax reforms.
The visit featured a formal presentation of the new Tax Act to the NOA DG by the Committee, while NOA leadership presented the National Value Charter plaque to the Committee Chairman.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the Tax Reforms Bill into law in June 2025 as part of efforts to simplify the tax system, broaden the revenue base, and strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal architecture.
