The Edo State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Barrister Osahon Woghiren has urged Nigerians to support the new tax laws, saying the reforms are designed to protect low income earners and ensure a fairer distribution of the tax burden.

Speaking in Benin City on Tuesday during a public sensitisation programme on Super FM, the NOA Director said widespread misconceptions surrounding the tax reforms had created unnecessary fear, stressing that the laws were not aimed at punishing the poor but at correcting long standing imbalances in the tax system.

According to him, the new tax framework places greater responsibility on those with higher incomes and profitable businesses, while offering reliefs and safeguards for vulnerable citizens. 

He noted that for many years, the tax system allowed a small segment of society to shoulder minimal obligations while low income earners struggled under indirect levies.

“The essence of this reform is equity,” he said. “It is about protecting the less poor and ensuring that those who earn more contribute their fair share to national development.”

Barrister Osahon Woghiren explained that the reforms would also help government improve service delivery by increasing transparency and accountability in revenue collection. 

He added that funds generated through the new tax laws would be channeled into critical sectors such as education, healthcare and infrastructure, which directly affect the quality of life of ordinary Nigerians.

He called on citizens to seek accurate information about the reforms and avoid being misled by false narratives circulating on social media. He also assured that the National Orientation Agency would continue to engage communities, professional groups and the informal sector to clarify grey areas and address genuine concerns.

The Edo State NOA office, he said, is partnering with relevant stakeholders to ensure sustained public enlightenment on the tax reforms, emphasizing that national development requires shared responsibility and trust between government and the people.