By Chimezie Godfrey
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has pledged to mobilise nationwide public support for the effective implementation of the Federal Government’s new tax laws scheduled to take effect in January 2026.
Director-General of NOA, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, made the commitment when members of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, led by its Chairman, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, paid a courtesy visit to the agency in Abuja.
Issa-Onilu said technological advancements had made the spread of fake news and misleading narratives about the new tax regime easier, stressing the need for robust public enlightenment.
“Technology has made it easy for mischievous persons to spread fake news and wrong narratives. That is why Nigerians must be properly sensitised on the benefits of the new tax law,” he said.
He noted that the new Tax Act would address challenges such as double taxation currently affecting companies, workers, investors and business owners.
Highlighting NOA’s nationwide reach, the DG said the agency operates in all states with competent officers who engage communities through advocacy and mobilisation.
“We have done mapping across the country for engagements with all Nigerians. We engage associations, CSOs, traders’ unions, women and youth groups,” Issa-Onilu stated.
“Our staff are chosen from among the people and are trusted by them.”
He further revealed NOA’s wide media partnerships.
“We work with over 200 radio stations and 36 television stations broadcasting in about 72 local languages,” he disclosed.
Issa-Onilu also said NOA is deploying technology, including Artificial Intelligence, for public education.
“We have launched our own ChatGPT called CLHEEAN, a special voice and chat assistant where Nigerians can get authentic information on government policies.”
Earlier, Oyedele said his team visited NOA to counter growing misinformation.
“We believe that working together with NOA will ensure accurate information gets to Nigerians, including those at the grassroots,” he said.
He added that farmers and rural dwellers were being misled about the reforms.
“There is a lot of misinformation targeting farmers and rural people to make them hate government ignorantly,” Oyedele noted.
The two bodies agreed to set up a joint sensitisation committee to coordinate public communications on the tax reforms.
The new Tax Reform Act, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June, is aimed at simplifying Nigeria’s fiscal system.