The federal government has revealed that the Nigeria Tax Bill amalgamates all existing laws containing provisions for taxation. It added that, when passed, the bill will repeal 11 laws that contain provisions on the imposition and collection of taxes.
The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa Onilu, disclosed this during a press briefing in Minna, in preparation for the flag-off of a sensitization campaign on the Tax Reform Bills, Security Awareness, World Human Rights Day, World HIV Day, and discouraging the get-rich-quick syndrome.
Themed Promoting Awareness, Ethical Value, and National Development, Onilu explained that taxation is essential for funding national development.
He added that taxation has been a source of concern for many Nigerians due to issues such as multiple taxation and its impact on low-income earners.
The NOA D.G., who spoke through the state director of the agency in Niger State, Yahaya Ibrahim Gbongbo, noted that to address these challenges, the federal government is implementing reforms to make the system fairer and less burdensome for citizens.
He said, “Tax reform bills are four different bills that aim to bring everything about taxation and administration of tax in Nigeria under four different pieces of legislation. These include the Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Nigeria Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.”
The NOA boss assured that tax reforms will benefit everyone. He noted that the government is working to stop different levels of authority from taxing people for the same thing, provide support for low-income earners, ensure a simpler and more transparent process, and show visible impacts of taxes.
The Director General added, “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.”
On security, the Director General disclosed that security remains a top priority for the federal government. He highlighted efforts to address insecurity by strengthening the security architecture through better equipment, training, and increased funding for security agencies, as well as expanding policy initiatives to improve collaboration between citizens and law enforcement.
The deployment of technology, such as surveillance systems and intelligence gathering, was also noted as a means to combat criminal activities. He emphasized that these efforts require active citizen support, including reporting suspicious activities and cooperating with law enforcement agencies.
In a related development, Issa Onilu revealed that the federal government recognizes that the erosion of the country’s long-standing values and economic hardship often drives individuals towards unethical practices. To address this, the government has implemented youth empowerment programmes such as the National Social Investments Programme (NSIP) and skill acquisition initiatives, supported small and medium enterprises through grants and loans to promote entrepreneurship, and criminalized fraudulent practices including internet fraud and financial crimes, with increased enforcement by agencies like the EFCC and ICPC.
Similarly, on World Human Rights Day, Onilu maintained that the federal government remains committed to protecting the dignity of every Nigerian.
On World HIV/AIDS Day, the NOA D.G. noted that Nigeria joined the global community across the 36 states, the FCT, and 774 local councils in raising awareness. He stressed that the federal government has intensified efforts to provide free and accessible HIV testing and counseling services nationwide, ensured antiretroviral treatments are available and accessible to people living with HIV/AIDS, and partnered with local and international organisations to combat stigma and discrimination.
