President Bola Tinubu urges the media to support his proposed tax reforms, emphasizing their role in creating national prosperity. He outlined how these reforms aim to streamline taxes, ease burdens on Nigerians, and foster business growth. Tinubu also highlighted efforts to combat misinformation and promote media freedom.
President Bola Tinubu has called on the media to support his administration's proposed tax reforms, emphasizing their importance in building lasting national prosperity for all Nigerians. Speaking at the 2024 Nigerian Media Merit Awards in Lagos, represented by Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, Tinubu acknowledged that while opinions may vary on the specifics of the reforms, there is broad agreement on the need to overhaul Nigeria’s tax system.
Tinubu stressed that the tax reforms are part of a broader agenda aimed at fostering economic diversification, human capital development, and infrastructure growth. He highlighted the need for tax streamlining, easing the burden on vulnerable citizens, and offering business incentives to promote growth. The tax bills currently before the National Assembly are designed to ensure more revenue is directed to state governments and to reduce financial strain on ordinary Nigerians.
The president also pointed to the record-high revenue distribution achieved by the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee, which is funding critical initiatives like student loans, infrastructure projects, and MSME support. He urged the media to help amplify the positive narratives surrounding the reforms, counter misinformation, and provide Nigerians with accurate information.
Additionally, Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to media freedom, urging responsible journalism, especially in the digital age. He also announced the approval for the UNESCO Media and Information Literacy Institute (MIL) at the National Open University, aimed at combating misinformation and encouraging critical thinking among Nigerians.
