FIC Report (Nasarawa State) – Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu on Monday emphasized that the controversial tax reforms bill introduced by the President Bola Tinubu administration are not to oppress any region in the country, believing that they are to ensure fiscal discipline and tax harmony.
Issa-Onilu said the reforms if passed by the National Assembly will harmonize taxation and prevent multiple taxation.
He stated this in Lafia during press briefing on the bills among other issues of national discourse.
Issa-Onilu represented by the agency’s Director of Finance and Accounts, Sule Haruna, disclosed that the controversy the bills had generated was uncalled for, affirming that government would still look into the misconceptions and reach a mutual agreement.
He urged members of the public to access the documents to critically peruse before making comments on it in order not to misconstrue the whole essence of the reforms, adding that the Federal Government had directed the Attorney-General of the Federation/Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi to harmonise conflicting debates and re-examine the grey areas in the bills for further action.
Speaking, State Director of the Agency, Dr. Priscilla Gondualuor, implored the media to support the government in reshaping public perceptions, calling for strong collaboration from the academia, public institutions and research institutes to address the nation’s issues.
Gondualuor said as part of the campaigns for the month, the agency is committed to enlighten the public on Human Rights Day, Tax Reforms Bills, World Aids Day, security awareness and the rising get-rich-quick syndrome to promote patriotism, social justice, hardwork and integrity.
The Tax Reform Bills have continued to generate controversies since their introduction, with particularly the northern governors calling for their withdrawal as other stakeholders advocated for robust debate and informed public debate.
Signed
Ari, Liman Aminu.
Head of Centre,
Federal Information Centre, Lafia.
