12/07/2026
SOUTH WEST ZONAL DIRECTOR ATTENDS STAKEHOLDERS’ SENSITIZATION ON NEW TAX REFORM IN OGUN STATE
..Asks Participants to take messages on the New Tax Law to Others.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Ogun State Directorate, organized a Stakeholders’ Sensitization Programme on the New Tax Reform to enlighten citizens and key stakeholders on the objectives, benefits, and implementation of the Federal Government’s new tax reform policies on Wednesday, July 8, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The programme brought together representatives of government agencies, religious organizations, civil society groups, youth organizations, market associations, and other stakeholders to promote a better understanding of the new tax regime and encourage compliance.
Delivering a goodwill message at the event, the National Orientation Agency, South West Zonal Directorate, Mr. Kehinde Ogunkuade, conveyed the National Orientation Agency, Nigeria. Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu's warm greetings to all participants and expressed appreciation to the State Director, NOA Ogun State Directorate, Mrs. Aishat Bolanle Tiamiyu, for organizing the timely programme and bringing together relevant stakeholders to discuss and harmonize understanding of the new tax policy.
Mr. Ogunkuade stressed the importance of taking the tax reform messages to the grassroots. Noting that citizens require accurate information to fully understand government policies. He appreciated participants for their interest in national development and their willingness to engage constructively with government initiatives.
He cautioned Nigerians against the spread of fake news and misinformation, particularly regarding government policies.
According to him, even the National Orientation Agency will always first acquire a comprehensive understanding of government policies through synergy with other sister agencies before effectively embarking on educating the public. He therefore emphasized on the need for continuous learning, seeking proper information before and the dissemination of such verified information.
The Zonal Director encouraged citizens to actively participate in nation-building by performing their civic responsibilities and taking proper care of their immediate environment. He reiterated the popular security slogan, “If you see something, say something,” urging citizens to promptly report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
Mr. Ogunkuade further reiterated that one of the statutory responsibilities of the National Orientation Agency is to disseminate government policies and programmes to the populace while also providing timely feedback from citizens to government. He noted that policies and regulations are dynamic rather than static, making it imperative for the Agency to continuously update citizens whenever policy changes occur.
In his concluding remarks, he advised participants that it is better to seek clarification before speaking than to spread false information that could attract unnecessary consequences. He appealed to citizens to always ask questions whenever they are uncertain about government policies instead of relying on or spreading unverified information.
In her earlier welcome address, the State Director, National Orientation Agency, Ogun State Directorate, Mrs. Aishat Tiamiyu, expressed the Directorate's appreciation to the participants for their impressive turnout. She described their attendance as a demonstration of patriotism and commitment to national development. She encouraged participants to pay close attention to the presentations, actively contribute during discussions, and ask questions for better understanding of the tax reform.
In his keynote address on the New Tax Reform, the Head of Service, Ogun State, Mr. Olanrewaju Saka , mni, represented by the Director of Tax, Ogun State Internal Revenue Service, OGIRS, Mrs. Oluyemi Dawodu, who also doubles as Resource Person, said the rationale behind the tax reform among other things is to: Eliminate multiple taxation; Harmonize existing complex tax laws; Reduce the cost of tax compliance; Combat tax evasion; and Eliminate revenue leakages.
She outlined the major objectives of the reform to include: Simplifying the tax system; Protecting businesses and to encourage economic growth; Making tax return filing compulsory for eligible citizens; Ensuring inclusiveness so that every citizen is carried along and to Promote strict adherence to tax filing timelines.
She noted that the reform introduces important provisions such as equity and fairness, transparency and accountability, tax residency rules, rent relief, improved tax education and awareness, among other innovations. According to her, these measures will contribute significantly to improved infrastructure, enhanced economic development, increased government revenue, and easier tax compliance.
Mrs. Dawodu identified poor public awareness as one of the greatest challenges to successful tax administration and commended the National Orientation Agency for consistently promoting government policies in both urban and rural communities.
She particularly appreciated the presence of corps members and youths at the programme, describing them as strategic partners in nation-building. She cautioned them against believing or spreading rumours on social media and encouraged them to verify information through relevant government agencies and conduct proper research on government policies, emphasizing that they represent the future of Nigeria.
On tax filling compliance, she recognized and commended the State Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ogun State Chapter, Rt. Rev. (Dr.) Emmanuel Oludaisi Adekunle, Diocesan Bishop, Egba Anglican Diocese, for consistently complying with tax obligations and ensuring regular filing of tax returns for businesses owned by the Diocese.
His commitment was highlighted as a model worthy of emulation by other organizations and business owners.
On tax complaint and enquiry channels, Mrs. Dawodu encouraged citizens to channel complaints, enquiries, and requests through the official communication channels of the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS) Hotlines: 0806-024-0778, 0807-058-0651 and equally on their website: www.ogunstaterevenue.com
The representative of the State Director, Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Gbenga Eleshiku, delivering a goodwill message highlighted the role of the Service in supporting tax administration through asset tracking, joint operations with sister security agencies, and investigation of fraudulent activities.
He emphasized the need for sustained public awareness, urged citizens to comply with approved taxes and levies, and advised taxpayers to always obtain proof of payment after every transaction to avoid future disputes.
The programme attracted a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including representatives of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), League of Imams and Alfas, Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Community Development Council (CDC), National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Market Men and Women Associations, Licensed Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria (LECAN), Radio Callers Association, The Criterion, Ogun District, National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Staff of the National Orientation Agency from the South-West Zonal Directorate and Ogun State Directorate
The Stakeholders’ Sensitization Programme successfully enhanced public understanding of the New Tax Reform by providing accurate information on its objectives, benefits, and implementation strategies. Participants were encouraged to embrace tax compliance, reject misinformation, seek clarification from appropriate authorities whenever necessary, and support government efforts toward economic development.
The intelligent questions raised, observations and suggestions from the participants during the interactive session confirmed better understanding and acceptability of the tax reform policy by the citizens with the appeal for proper implementation and good monitoring.
The programme also reaffirmed the National Orientation Agency’s commitment to promoting civic education, disseminating government policies, combating fake news, and strengthening the relationship between government and citizens through continuous public engagement and feedback.
Media & Communication.
NOA, South West Zonal Directorate.
Deji J Fasuyi
Osilana Adeleke Olorunwa
Martyns-kehinde Kuade