The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has commenced a nationwide public sensitisation drive to build understanding and trust in Nigeria’s tax reforms scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026.
The Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, made this known at the inauguration of the Joint Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms for Public Awareness and Sensitisation, where he stressed that effective communication is critical to the success of the reforms.
Issa-Onilu noted that although the tax reforms are technically sound, their acceptance and impact depend largely on how well they are understood by the public, warning that poorly communicated policies often fail. He said the reforms are designed to promote fairness, inclusion, sustainability and improved service delivery.
To support implementation, NOA and the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms established a joint technical committee to coordinate a nationwide, inclusive and evidence-based awareness campaign aimed at addressing misconceptions, countering misinformation and reducing public anxiety.
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The Director-General was represented at the event by the Director of Planning, Research and Strategy, Alhaji Nuhu Kobi, who formally inaugurated the committee.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Special Duties and Zonal Coordination at NOA, Mr. David Akoji, said the Agency’s presence in all 774 local government areas positions it to engage communities, civil society organisations, professional groups, the informal sector and the media through a two-way communication approach.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, Dr. Tope Fasua, said the nationwide engagement signals the implementation phase of Nigeria’s long-awaited tax reforms. He described the reforms as pro-poor, noting that they are designed to recalibrate national revenue without increasing the tax burden on struggling citizens, small businesses and SMEs.
The joint committee includes representatives from the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms and senior officials of the National Orientation Agency, who will coordinate public engagement activities nationwide.
