The National Orientation Agency (NOA) is to drive public support for the effective implementation of the tax reforms of the federal government whose implementation kicks off in January 2026 when the new Tax Act comes into effect.

Director General of the NOA, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, expressed the commitment on behalf of the Agency, when members of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, led by its chairman, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, paid an advocacy visit to the agency’s office in Abuja.

Issa-Onilu noted that technology had made it easy for mischievous persons to effortlessly spread fake news and wrong narratives about the new tax laws.

He emphasised the importance of sensitising Nigerians on the benefits of the tax laws in order to counter the wrong narratives spread by those who are either genuinely ignorant of its provisions or those acting out of mischief and an ulterior motive to undermine the efforts of the government to improve the tax system.

The NOA DG said the new Tax Law will be beneficial to Nigerians as it specifically addresses the issue of double taxation that companies, business people, workers, individuals and investors are presently experiencing, among many other things.

The DG underscored NOA’s ability to reach wide audiences across the country with its advocacy and national enlightenment campaigns, noting that the Agency had a wide spread of offices across the country with competent staff who regularly embark on community mobilisation and sensitisation to promote government policies and national values.

He also highlighted the ability of the NOA to work intelligently, identifying the different demographics across the country and applying the communication models appropriate to reach and appeal to each demographic.

Malam Issa-Onilu also highlighted the extensive partnerships with media houses which the NOA enjoyed across the country as part of its strength to communicate policies to every nook and cranny in the country.

“We work with over 200 radio stations across the country, and partner with 36 television stations, all put together broadcasting in about 72 local languages,” he revealed.

In addition, Issa-Onilu pointed out that the NOA was leveraging modern technology, including the use of Artificial Intelligence, to disseminate government information. “We launched our own version of ChatGPT called CLHEEAN, a special Voice/Chat Assistant where Nigerians can engage and get authentic information on all government policies,” he told the NOA guests.

Concluding, the NOA DG declared that “these are tools we have to assist and support the committee in sensitising Nigerians on the new tax laws.”