REMARKS BY MALLAM LANRE ISSA-ONILU, DIRECTOR GENERAL, NATIONAL ORIENTATION AGENCY AT THE FLAG-OFF OF NATIONWIDE SENSITIZATION CAMPAIGNS ON THE WORLD HIV DAY, SECURITY AWARENESS, DISCOURAGING GET RICH QUICK SYNDROME, WORLD HUMAN RIGHTS DAY AND THE TAX REFORM BILLS
Theme: “Promoting Awareness, Ethical Values and National Development”
Distinguished Members of the Press, Esteemed Stakeholders, and Fellow Nigerians,
Good morning, and thank you for joining us today as the National Orientation Agency (NOA) flags off a nationwide sensitization campaign on five critical issues that are central to our nation’s well-being, unity, and development.
Today, we are commencing a nationwide mobilization of Nigerians to unite in our commitment to addressing these pressing issues and fostering a more informed, secure, and ethical society. The challenges before us require collective action and active participation from all Nigerians.
Highlighting the 5 Key Issues and Government Efforts
- World HIV/AIDS Day
This campaign which compliments the efforts being made by relevant health authorities coincides with the World HIV/AIDS Day, and we join the global community within the week across the 36 states, the FCT and the 774 Local Governments, in raising awareness. The government has intensified efforts to:
Provide free and accessible HIV testing and counseling services nationwide.
Ensure antiretroviral treatment is available and accessible to people living with HIV/AIDS.
Partner with local and international organizations to combat stigma and discrimination.
However, it should be noted that the government alone cannot win this fight against HIV/AIDS. Citizens must take advantage of the services provided by government and other entities, practice responsible health behaviors, and support those living with HIV/AIDS. Citizens have a big role to play in halting the spread of HIV/AIDS. We shall be carrying these messages across the length and breadth of Nigeria through our diverse messaging platforms.
- Security Awareness
Security remains a top priority for the government. Efforts to address insecurity include:
Strengthening security architecture through better equipment, training, and increased funding for security agencies.
Expanding policing initiatives to improve collaboration between citizens and law enforcement.
Deploying technology, such as surveillance systems and intelligence gathering, to combat criminal activities.
These efforts require the active support of citizens, who must report suspicious activities and cooperate with law enforcement agencies. We are urging citizens to be conscious of the fact that Security begins with you and I.
- Shunning the Get-Rich-Quick Syndrome
The government recognizes that the erosion of our age long values and economic hardship often drives individuals toward unethical practices. To address this, it has:
Implemented youth empowerment programs such as the National Social Investment Program (NSIP) and skill acquisition initiatives.
Supported small and medium enterprises through grants and loans to promote entrepreneurship.
Criminalized fraudulent practices, including internet fraud and financial crimes, with increased enforcement by agencies like the EFCC and ICPC.
Citizens must reject shortcuts to wealth and embrace integrity, hard work, and the opportunities provided through government initiatives to make life better for citizens. In this Yuletide season, the tendency to resort to criminal ways to acquire ill gotten wealth so as to impress others is heightened. The NOA will in this month of December be carrying out nationwide sensitization against the get rich quick syndrome.
- World Human Rights Day
As we commemorate World Human Rights Day, the government remains committed to protecting the dignity of every Nigerian. Recent efforts include:
Strengthening legal frameworks to address human rights violations, including gender-based violence and child trafficking.
Establishing support centers for survivors of abuse and violence in collaboration with civil society.
Promoting constitutional awareness to ensure citizens understand their rights and responsibilities.
These efforts can only be successful when citizens stand for justice, respect the rights of others, and report violations to the appropriate authorities. We will in this nationwide campaigns also be urging citizens to recognize that they also have civic responsibilities to uphold.
- Tax Reforms
Taxation is essential for funding national development, but we recognize that it has been a source of concern for many Nigerians due to issues like multiple taxation and its impact on low-income earners. To address these challenges, the government is implementing reforms to make the system fairer and less burdensome for citizens.
I want to briefly breakdown the tax reform bills in a very concise and easily understood manner.
The tax reform bills are four different bills that seeks to bring everything about taxation and administration of tax in Nigeria under four different pieces of legislation. The bills are as follows:
- The Nigeria Tax Bill
- The Nigeria Tax Administration Bill
- The Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill
- The Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill
For instance: The Nigeria Tax Bill is where all major taxes imposed on individuals and companies are clearly stated as well as the rates. This bill is just like a compendium of taxes charged in Nigeria. The Nigeria Tax Bill basically amalgamated all the existing laws in which provisions for taxation was made. When passed, this bill will lead to the repeal of 11 laws that contain provisions on imposition and collection of taxes.
Here’s how these reforms will benefit everyone:
- No More Double Taxes: The government is working to stop different levels of authority from taxing people for the same thing.
- Support for Low-Income Earners: Those earning very little will pay little or no taxes, helping them manage their finances better.
- Simpler and Transparent Processes: New digital systems are being introduced to make tax payments easier, faster, and more accountable.
- Visible Impact of Taxes: Tax revenue will be used to improve essential public services like schools, hospitals, and infrastructure, ensuring citizens see the benefits of their contributions. 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.
A Nationwide Movement for Change
This campaign represents more than government initiatives—it is a call to action for every Nigerian to join hands in addressing these five critical issues. Together, we must create a society that is healthy, secure, ethical, and united in purpose.
Role of Stakeholders and the Media
Stakeholders: We count on traditional leaders, religious institutions, civil society organizations, and educational institutions to amplify these messages and extend their reach.
Media: You are indispensable in shaping public perceptions and attitudes. We urge you to partner with us in spreading these critical messages through your platforms, ensuring every Nigerian is informed and inspired to act.
Conclusion: A Collective Responsibility
Ladies and gentlemen, the government is doing its part, but no government can succeed alone. Addressing these five key areas requires collaboration from all citizens, stakeholders, and institutions. Together, we can build a healthier, safer, and more ethical Nigeria.
Let us commit ourselves to these ideals and work tirelessly to make them a reality for our beloved nation.
Thank you, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
