FG SAYS NEW TAX REFORMS MEANT TO EASE BURDEN, NOT INCREASE IT; BLAMES MISINFORMATION FOR PUBLIC ANXIETY
Read Time:2 Minute, 28 Second
By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Federal Government has clarified that the recently enacted tax reforms were designed to reduce the financial burden on Nigerians, not impose additional hardship, insisting that widespread misinformation is instigating unnecessary fear and resentment.
Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, made the clarification during a courtesy visit to the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Abuja on Friday.
He appealed for NOA’s support in sensitising citizens, stressing that false narratives circulating online risk undermining what he described as “the most consequential and beneficial reform package” of his professional career.
“You can say subsidy removal came with some amount of pain and sacrifice. Naira floatation also means people have to pay more, but this tax reform is coming with benefits,” Oyedele said.
He noted that the reforms offer multiple economic relief measures, including tax exemptions for small businesses, workers, and low-to-middle income earners, as well as reduced tax obligations for large corporations and the harmonisation of multiple existing taxes.
President Bola Tinubu signed the tax reform laws in October 2025 as part of efforts to simplify Nigeria’s fragmented tax structure. Their implementation begins January 1, 2026.
According to Oyedele, the reforms also streamline compliance processes, eliminate nuisance taxes and are expected to boost investment and competitiveness.
He revealed that the committee had compiled “50 tax exemptions and reliefs” in favour of citizens but lamented that many Nigerians, misled by false information, believe the reforms will impose new levies.
“Sadly, as good as the reform is, if you go on the streets and ask people about the tax reform, there are people who say they can’t wait to protest on the 1st of January,” he said.
He cited an example of false claims spreading among farmers in Northern Nigeria that the government plans to seize one out of every four baskets of produce.
“Misinformation goes viral very quickly,” he warned, adding that the distortions have taken ethnic and religious dimensions. He urged the NOA to communicate the reforms using relatable examples in local languages to prevent avoidable unrest.
Responding, NOA Director-General Lanre Issa-Onilu described the reform efforts as “the first comprehensive, far-reaching response in the fiscal and tax space we have seen,” noting that the agency is fully prepared to support the initiative.
“I must understand beyond the level of an average Nigerian to communicate to them,” he said.
He stated that NOA has nearly 200 radio stations broadcasting in 72 local languages, 36 TV channels, and partnerships with major national media networks including NTA, Channels, AIT, TVC, Arise and News Central.
“We have offices and personnel in all the 774 local governments… These are experienced communicators and mobilisers,” he said, pledging full media support to help Nigerians understand the benefits of the reforms.
He assured that the agency’s nationwide infrastructure would be deployed to counter misinformation and ensure citizens receive accurate, clear and timely updates on the reforms.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0