NOA Translates Tax Reform Bills into 36 Local Languages to Address Misconceptions

• The National Orientation Agency plans to translate tax reform bills into over 36 local languages to improve public understanding and awareness
• NOA aims to address misconceptions about the reforms by engaging religious and traditional leaders in a community sensitization campaign

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has announced plans to translate the tax reform bills into over 36 local languages to clear public misconceptions and foster a better understanding of the reforms.

The agency’s director-general, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, made this known during a press conference in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Monday. The event focused on raising awareness about tax reforms, security, the get-rich-quick syndrome, human rights, and HIV/AIDS.

Represented by Inuwa Yusuf Kobi, the Director of Research and Statistics, Issa-Onilu emphasized the importance of understanding the bills to make informed judgments.

“There have been widespread misconceptions about the tax reform bills, and, unfortunately, many of those making negative comments are not familiar with the details or the benefits inherent in the reforms,” Issa-Onilu said.

To address these misconceptions, NOA has involved religious and traditional leaders in a sensitization campaign to communicate the facts to their communities.

“Many leaders have come to understand that the issues have been politicized. They now recognize the reforms as advantageous, particularly for low-income earners,” Issa-Onilu added.

Key Features of the Tax Reform Bills

The agency highlighted the potential benefits of the reforms, including:

• Exemption for Small Businesses: Businesses with a turnover of less than N50 million will be exempt from the new tax law.
• Relief for Workers: Depending on their earnings, about 90% of workers in both the public and private sectors may no longer need to pay tax.
• Elimination of Multiple Taxation: The reforms aim to simplify the tax system and reduce the burden on taxpayers.

“The tax reform bills are designed to enhance national development, especially for low-income earners,” Issa-Onilu explained.

The NOA also urged Nigerians to take collective action and actively participate in the campaign to build a better country.

The State Director of NOA in Borno, Michael Daniel Bdliya, stressed the importance of stakeholder collaboration in amplifying the message.

“Every action, no matter how small, contributes to the greater good. Let’s work together to ensure the success of these initiatives,” Bdliya said.

He also expressed gratitude to the media for helping to reach grassroots communities and ensure widespread awareness and support for the agency’s programs.