Director-general of the National Orientation Agency ( NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, has said that the tax reforms by the Federal Government will ease the burden on hardworking Nigerians.
He said that it will ensure that everyone contributes fairly to the nation’s development.
Issa-Onilu stated this at the flag-off of the sensitisation campaign on some government programmes on Friday in Minna, Niger State, with the theme: Promoting Awareness, Ethical Values and National Development.
The programmes are World HIV Day, Security Awareness, Discouraging Get-Rich-Quick Syndrome, World Human Rights Day and the Tax Reform Bills.
The director-general who was represented by the Niger Director of the agency, Mallam Yahaya Gbongbo said that the nationwide sensitisation campaign was on five critical issues central to the nation’s well-being, unity, and development.
According to him, the tax reform bills 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,” he said.
He said that the agency was mobilising Nigerians to unite in addressing issues that affect the development of the country negatively.
“Today, we are commencing a nationwide mobilisation of Nigerians to unite in our commitment to addressing these pressing issues, and fostering a more informed, secure, and ethical society.
“The challenges before us require collective action and active participation from all Nigerians,”he said.
Issa-Onilu said that taxation was essential for funding national development.
“We recognise that it has been a source of concern for many Nigerians due to issues like multiple taxation and its impact on low-income earners.
“To address these challenges, the government is implementing reforms to make the system fairer and less burdensome for citizens,”he said.
He said that the world HIV/AIDS Day campaign, which compliments the efforts being made by relevant health authorities, coincides with its global celebration.
“We join the global community within the week across the 36 states, the FCT and the 774 LGAs, in raising awareness.
“The government has intensified efforts to provide free and accessible HIV testing and counseling services nationwide.”
“This will ensure antiretroviral treatment is available and accessible to people living with HIV/AIDS among others,” he added.
He also said that security remains a top priority of the government, including strengthening security architecture through better equipment, training, and increased funding for security agencies.
“Government will also expand policing initiatives to improve collaboration between citizens and law enforcement agencies,”he said.
On the need to shun the get-rich-quick syndrome, he said government recognised the erosion of the age long values and economic hardships driving individuals towards unethical practices.
He said that to address this, government has implemented youth empowerment programmes such as the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), and skill acquisition initiatives among others.
On World Human Rights Day, he said government remained committed to protecting the dignity of every Nigerian.
“Recent efforts include strengthening legal frameworks to address human rights violations, including gender-based violence and child trafficking,” he said.
The DG called on Nigerians to continue to support the Federal Government’s policies and programmes to succeed.
