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FG launches community engagement campaign on tax reform bills

By Akinnodi Francis, Ondo

The Federal Government has unveiled plans for a nationwide community engagement campaign aimed at fostering understanding and acceptance of the proposed tax reform bills.

Speaking during a national television programme monitored by The Hope, Moremi Ojudu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement in the South-West, detailed the government’s strategy for the campaign.

“We are creating a six-month plan to take the advocacy for the tax reform bill to communities. This involves engaging trade unions, associations, and grassroots leaders to communicate in local languages and ensure inclusivity,” she stated.

Ojudu emphasised the government’s commitment to addressing public concerns and misconceptions through feedback mechanisms.

“We have established hotlines and online portals to provide clarity and address fears about the bill. We are committed to ensuring Nigerians understand its significance.”

Tayo Koleosho, Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), noted that the campaign seeks to bridge the communication gap between the government and the public, addressing scepticism about taxation.

“This is one of the many steps we are trying to take. We are trying to meet Nigerians through different channels that they will be able to understand because we think the major gap in our ability to be compliant or to embrace any law, irrespective of the law, especially when you talk about taxes,” Koleosho explained.

Olufemi Olarinde, Head of the Fiscal and Tax Reforms Implementation Division at FIRS, highlighted that the tax reform bills were developed after extensive consultations with stakeholders nationwide.

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He disclosed that the tax committee organised roundtables across the country to ensure equity and fairness in the proposed reforms.

Olarinde further noted that the reforms prioritise economic stimulation by exempting low-income earners earning below N300,000 annually.

The Hope recalls that on October 13, President Bola Tinubu urged the National Assembly to consider and pass four tax reform bills: the Nigeria Tax Bill, Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.

Despite the government’s efforts, opposition persists. Northern governors have called on the National Assembly to reject the bills, citing potential harm to the region’s interests.

Additionally, on January 1, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) demanded that the federal government withdraw the bills to allow for broader stakeholder participation.

The bills, currently before the National Assembly, passed a second reading on November 28, 2024.

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