In a bold effort to bring tax education closer to everyday Nigerians, the Presidential Community Engagement Office (South West), in partnership with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), has launched a grassroots tax reform sensitization campaign in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The engagement, held at the Ojo Bus Terminal and Ojo Market, brought together hundreds of traders, artisans, and market women. The focus was to demystify the newly introduced Tax Reform Bills, educate citizens on their rights and obligations, and highlight the benefits of a simplified, people-focused tax system.
With placards bearing messages such as “Zero tax on food and medical supplies,” “Easy and faster payment of taxes,” “More jobs, stronger economy,” and “Tax is now easier,” the campaign sought to simplify government fiscal policy and rebuild public trust in taxation.
Moremi Ojudu, the Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement for the South-West, led the charge and delivered key messages on the reforms directly to the people in local languages.
“We are here to sensitise the people of Ibadan on how the new tax reform bill has made things easier,” she said.
“Traders who make ₦1 million or less in a year will no longer be required to pay income tax. This reform is targeted at helping the middle class and the less privileged.”
Reassuring the crowd, she added:
“This is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He wants people at the grassroots to know that this government means well and is working to improve infrastructure, education, the economy, and your daily lives.”
According to Ojudu, the initiative is part of a nationwide campaign, with Senior Special Assistants to the President on Community Engagement from all six geopolitical zones expected to replicate similar outreach programmes in their regions.
“The sensitisation drive is a national programme,” she noted.
“From North to South, East to West, we are engaging the people directly in their communities. No one will be left behind in understanding how tax reforms impact their families and futures.”
In addition to education, the programme also prioritises grassroots dialogue and feedback.
“We are not just here to talk. We are also here to listen,” Ojudu emphasised.
“That’s why we’re working with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Federal Ministry of Information to ensure this message spreads far and wide.”
“We are building a system that listens, that adapts, and that puts citizens first,” she declared.
“Tax no longer needs to be a source of fear. It is now a tool for empowerment and development.
