The National Orientation Agency, NOA has taken the lead to ensure that Nigerians understand and trust the country’s ongoing tax reforms by the President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
At the inauguration of the Joint Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms for Public Awareness and Sensitisation, the Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, emphasised that while the reforms are technically robust, their success ultimately depends on public understanding.
Issa-Onilu noted that poorly communicated policies often fail, highlighting the importance of clarity, transparency, and social responsiveness in policy execution.
He described effective communication as essential for successful policy implementation.
“The reforms that are set to take effect from January 1, 2026, are designed to promote fairness, inclusion, sustainability, and improved service delivery”.
“To bridge the gap between policy and the public, a joint technical committee was established between the NOA and the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms. Its mandate is to coordinate a nationwide, inclusive, and evidence-based awareness campaign that addresses misconceptions, counters misinformation, and reduces public anxiety” he explained.
The Director-General who was represented at the event by Alhaji Nuhu Kobi, Director of Planning, Research, and Strategy formally inaugurated the committee.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Director of Special Duties and Zonal Coordination, Mr. David Akoji, highlighted NOA’s extensive presence in all the 774 local government areas as a strategic advantage for engaging communities, professional bodies, civil society, the informal sector, and the media through a two-way communication approach.
The Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, Dr. Tope Fasua, who is a member of the joint committee, explained that the nationwide engagement marks the implementation phase of Nigeria’s long-overdue tax reforms.
He stressed the need to tackle widespread misinformation, noting that the reforms are pro-poor and intended to recalibrate national revenue without increasing the tax burden on struggling citizens, small businesses, and SMEs.
Members of the Joint Committee include: Dr. Tope Fasua; Mr. Iniobong Usen ; Ms.Edwina Anaele; Ms. Kanm Blessing Mr Okon Okon and Mr. Tolu Adegbie
National Orientation Agency (NOA) Representatives on the Committee are Alhaji Nuhu Kobi – Director, Planning, Research, and Strategy ; Mr. David Akoji – Director, Special Duties and Zonal Coordination ;Barrister Dogo Williams – Director, Legal Services ;Mr. Bala Musa – Director, Communication and Media ;Mr. Sule Haruna – Director, Finance and Accounts; Dr. Olukemi Afolayan – Director, Civic Values and Democracy Education and Mrs. Sherifat Adegbesan – Special Adviser, Intergovernmental Affairs
