Some residents of Gombe State have commended the National Orientation Agency’s (NOA) sensitisation drive on the proposed tax reform bill.
They gave the commendation on Thursday during a roadshow around Gombe metropolis by NOA Gombe State office and other critical stakeholders.
Malam Umar Idris, a passer-by who spoke to journalists, said that the awareness was timely and enlightening in view of its content.
Idris said that he never knew that the bill had good intentions that would benefit Nigerians until the campaign began some days back.
“When I heard about the bill, I thought it was against the North and the people but now I understand that the bill is good and will help grow businesses.
“I think this kind of sensitisation should have been done earlier to get the people’s buy-in.
“So I want to commend the NOA for taking out time to massively engage in road show to share leaflets and through radio programmes, tell people about the proposed reform,” he said.
For his part, Mr Yila John, a resident of Tumfure said he had been following up on the tax reform since the NOA began its nationwide campaign and was pleased with the awareness drive.
“Many times, people do not understand what the intention of government is before challenging or resisting it.
“This is timely but needs to be continued to bring the people up to speed with what government wants to do.
“The media engagement is working and many persons are now becoming more aware of the bill and that is good for us as Nigerians because the bill is about us,” he said.
John appealed to the government to carry everyone along and engage those who were not in support of the bill, “because if they know, supporting it will not be difficult.”
For her part, a business woman from Gombe old market who preferred to be known as Mrs Blessing said the sensitisation should had been done much earlier but “it is better that it is happening now.”
Speaking to journalists after the roadshow, Mrs Adaline Patari, the NOA Director in Gombe State, emphasised the need for the people to support the government to deliver on its mandate.
Patari said that the bill would bring progress and yield positive results to Nigerians, hence the need for their support.
She said the Tinubu-led administration was working for the interest of Nigerians, adding that the agency would intensify sensitisation to mobilise participation in government’s efforts to ensure a brighter future for all.
“We are sensitising people by letting them know that government has introduced tax reform even though the bill is still in the national assembly.
“This is an issue that the government is creating awareness on its importance.
“The bill reduce multiple taxes and ensure that those who are rich pay more and those with low income will pay less.
“People are happy that NOA is out to sensitise them.
“Our officers are in the local governments and wards sensitising people on security awareness, national human rights, HIV/AIDS and tax reform,” she said.
She said that the message on tax reform and other national issues were penetrating the grassroots because of the strategy the NOA officials had adopted by using local languages to disseminate the information.
