The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has committed to spearheading a comprehensive nationwide awareness campaign to ensure public understanding and acceptance of the new Tax Act scheduled for implementation in January 2026. The agency emphasized that clear communication is fundamental to the success of the federal government's ongoing fiscal policy changes.
Combating Misinformation Through Strategic Communication
NOA Director-General Lanre Issa-Onilu made this commitment during a weekend meeting in Abuja when he received the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, and other committee members. Issa-Onilu highlighted the urgent need for public enlightenment, warning about the rapid spread of false information through digital platforms.
According to the NOA chief, many misconceptions circulating about the tax legislation stem from either genuine ignorance or deliberate attempts to undermine government efforts to streamline the fiscal environment. He stressed that the new legislation provides significant advantages, particularly the elimination of multiple and double taxation that currently burdens businesses, workers, and investors throughout Nigeria.
Leveraging National Presence and Technology
Issa-Onilu emphasized that the agency's extensive nationwide network, supported by experienced mobilization staff, makes NOA the most effective channel for communicating the tax law's provisions to all Nigerians. "We have mapped the country to understand its diverse demographics. This helps us adopt the right communication models for different groups; traders, farmers, CSOs, youth, women and professional associations," he explained.
The Director-General further revealed the agency's robust media partnerships, including collaborations with:
- Over 200 radio stations
- 36 television stations
- Broadcasting in approximately 72 local languages
Additionally, NOA is deploying technological solutions to enhance public engagement, including its AI-powered voice and chat assistant called CLHEEAN, designed to provide Nigerians with verified information about government policies. "These are tools we will deploy fully to support the committee in sensitising Nigerians about the new tax laws," Issa-Onilu assured.
Addressing Grassroots Concerns and Misunderstandings
Earlier during the meeting, Tax Reform Committee Chairman Taiwo Oyedele explained that they sought NOA's collaboration specifically to counter widespread misinformation, particularly among rural communities and grassroots organizations. "There is a lot of misunderstanding about the law, especially among farmers and low-income groups. Some of the narratives being circulated are designed to make them oppose the reforms without knowing the benefits," he noted.
Oyedele revealed that the committee might adopt scenario-based communication approaches, featuring real-life examples involving farmers, students, CEOs, and other demographic groups to demonstrate how the reforms would impact different categories of Nigerians. He expressed confidence that once citizens properly understand the benefits of the new tax system, resistance to its implementation would significantly decrease.
Following productive discussions, both parties agreed to establish a joint committee to coordinate public sensitization efforts regarding the Tax Act. The meeting concluded with the reforms team presenting copies of the new tax laws to Issa-Onilu, while the NOA leadership presented the National Value Charter plaque to Oyedele.
The Tax Reforms Bill was signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June 2025 as part of broader government initiatives to simplify Nigeria's tax system and strengthen the country's fiscal framework.
