Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Director General of National Orientation Agency (NOA), says that the proposed tax reform by the Federal Government would make life better for Nigerians.
Issa-Onilu, while addressing a news conference on Friday in Osogbo, said that taxation was essential for funding national development.
He was represented by Mrs Olubukola Olorunfemi, NOA Director of Community Outreach and Development.
The NOA boss, however, said that government recognised that the proposed tax had been a source of concern for many Nigerians
He said that the concerns of Nigerians were hinged on issues such as multiple taxation and its impact on low-income earners.
Issa-Onilu, however, said that the intention of the government about the tax bill reform was to make the tax system fairer and less burdensome for citizens.
He said the tax reform bills were aimed at bringing everything about taxation and administration of tax in Nigeria under four different pieces of legislation.
He listed the four tax reform bills to include; the Nigeria tax, Tax administration, Nigeria revenue service establishment, and Joint revenue board establishment.
According to him, the tax bills are aimed at eliminating double taxation, supporting low-income earners, creating a simpler and transparent tax collection processes.
He said that the bill was also aimed at making use of collected taxes to visibly improve essential public services like schools, hospitals, infrastructure, among others.
“These reforms are designed to ease the burden on hardworking Nigerians while ensuring everyone contributes fairly.
“By supporting this effort, we can create a tax system that works for all and funds the development projects that will improve our nation,” he said
Issa-Onilu also said that the government had intensified efforts in the fight against the scourge of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS).
The NOA boss said that government had been providing free, accessible HIV testing and counseling services nationwide with the provision of antiretroviral treatment for people living with the virus.
He, however, said that government alone could not win the fight against HIV/AIDS, adding that citizens must take advantage of the services provided by government and other entities.
“Citizen must also practice responsible health behaviors, and support those living with HIV/AIDS.” he said.
He also admonished Nigerians, especially youths to shun the “Get-Rich-Quick Syndrome”, and urged them to take advantage of the various programmes put in place by the Federal Government to better their lives.
