The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has pledged to lead a nationwide sensitisation campaign to build public understanding and support for the implementation of the new tax laws taking effect in January 2026.
This commitment was made by the Director General of the Agency, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, during a courtesy visit to the NOA headquarters in Abuja by members of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, led by its Chairman, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele.
Issa-Onilu, who spoke while receiving the delegation, said the Agency was fully prepared to counter the wave of misinformation and misinterpretation surrounding the new tax laws. He noted that technology has made it easier for individuals and groups to spread falsehood, thereby undermining public trust in government reforms.
He stressed that the new tax framework offers significant benefits to Nigerians, including the elimination of multiple taxation on companies, workers, investors and business owners, while simplifying the overall fiscal environment.
Highlighting NOA’s capacity to deliver effective public enlightenment, the DG explained that the Agency’s nationwide spread, community-based personnel, and established partnerships with stakeholders provide a unique advantage in communicating facts about government policies across all demographics.
“We have mapped out the entire country for targeted engagement,” Issa-Onilu said. “From associations and CSOs to traders, women groups, youth and community leaders, we understand how to reach each group effectively. Our personnel come from these communities, so the people trust them.”
He also cited NOA’s extensive collaboration with the media, including engagements with over 200 radio stations and 36 television stations, broadcasting in about 72 local languages. In addition, he emphasized the Agency’s adoption of modern communication tools: “We launched our own version of ChatGPT known as CLHEEAN, a voice and chat assistant that provides Nigerians with verified information on government policies.”
“These are tools at our disposal to support the committee in properly sensitising Nigerians on the new tax laws,” he added.
In his remarks, Oyedele said the committee visited NOA to seek its support in disseminating accurate information and countering the widespread false narratives about the tax reforms. He noted that misinformation, particularly among rural populations such as farmers, was creating unnecessary fear and resentment toward the government.
“We believe that working with NOA will ensure accurate information gets to Nigerians, including those at the grassroots,” Oyedele said. “People need to understand how these reforms benefit them students, farmers, CEOs, traders everyone. If people know the truth, they will not oppose policies designed in their best interest.”
He suggested the use of relatable scenarios and testimonials to help citizens understand in practical terms how the tax reforms improve their livelihoods.
At the end of the meeting, both parties agreed to establish a joint working committee to coordinate a comprehensive communication strategy for the tax reforms nationwide.
The visit featured the presentation of the newly enacted tax laws to the NOA DG, followed by the Agency’s presentation of the National Value Charter plaque to the committee chairman.
The Tax Reforms Bill was signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June 2025 to simplify, strengthen and reposition Nigeria’s fiscal system.
