The Nigerian Presidency, in partnership with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), launched a comprehensive grassroots sensitization campaign across Ibadan, focusing on educating citizens about the recently enacted Tax Reform Bills. This initiative, spearheaded by the Presidential Community Engagement Office (South-West) and the FIRS, aimed to demystify the reforms and highlight their tangible benefits for various segments of society, including traders, transport workers, artisans, and small business owners. The campaign underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of the reforms reach every Nigerian, particularly those in often-overlooked communities.
The campaign, aptly themed “Irorun fún Mekúnù” (relief for the common man), utilized a multi-pronged approach to reach its target audience. Mobile banners and placards displaying key aspects of the reforms were prominently positioned along the campaign route, while sound systems broadcast informative messages in local languages. The campaign traversed key areas of Ibadan, from Ojoo to Mokola Roundabout, maximizing its reach and impact. The multilingual materials used further ensured inclusivity, catering to the diverse linguistic landscape of the city. This strategic approach ensured that the message of tax reform resonated with a broader audience, fostering understanding and acceptance of the new policies.
Moremi Ojudu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-West), emphasized the significance of the campaign in bridging the information gap between policymakers and everyday Nigerians. She stressed that the tax reforms are designed to simplify the tax system and provide relief to all income earners, particularly low-income individuals and small businesses. Ojudu highlighted key provisions, such as the elimination of multiple taxations previously faced by traders, the exemption of low-income earners from certain taxes, and the creation of a more conducive environment for small business growth. The campaign sought to translate complex legal language into easily understandable concepts, ensuring clarity and promoting voluntary compliance.
The tax reforms represent a significant shift in Nigeria’s fiscal policy, aiming to create a more equitable and efficient tax system. One of the primary objectives is to alleviate the burden on low-income earners by raising the minimum taxable income threshold. This measure ensures that a greater portion of their earnings remains in their pockets, enhancing their disposable income and improving their overall financial well-being. The reforms also aim to streamline the tax administration process, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and simplifying compliance for businesses of all sizes. By eliminating multiple taxations, the reforms aim to create a more predictable and transparent tax environment, fostering investor confidence and promoting economic growth.
For small business owners, the reforms offer a much-needed respite from complex tax regulations and excessive levies. The simplified tax system reduces the administrative burden and associated costs, allowing them to focus on growing their businesses and creating jobs. The reforms also aim to create a level playing field for small businesses, enabling them to compete more effectively with larger corporations. This, in turn, stimulates entrepreneurship and innovation, contributing to the overall economic dynamism of the country. The government recognizes the vital role of small businesses in economic development and seeks to empower them through these reforms.
The Ibadan sensitization campaign is part of a broader national strategy to translate the “Renewed Hope Agenda” into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens. The government is committed to ensuring that the benefits of its policies, including the tax reforms, reach every corner of the country, particularly those communities that have historically been underserved. The campaign reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive governance, transparency, and citizen engagement. By actively engaging with communities and explaining the rationale behind its policies, the government seeks to build trust and foster a sense of shared responsibility in nation-building. The campaign symbolizes the government’s dedication to ensuring that its policies are not just implemented but also understood and embraced by the people they are intended to serve.
