NOA/ICAN Abuja Push Transparency, Civic Reorientation to Strengthen Tax Compliance
Oru Leonard
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), and Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Abuja and District Society, have emphasised the need for transparency, public enlightenment, and value reorientation to improve tax compliance across the country.
At a seminar focused on value reorientation and tax reforms, a representative of the NOA Director-General, Mr. Bala Musa, stressed that continuous sensitisation is critical to helping Nigerians understand the importance of taxation and its role in national development.
He revealed that the agency has intensified grassroots campaigns nationwide since late last year, targeting communities with information on tax reforms and civic responsibilities. According to him, many citizens do not clearly link public infrastructure to tax revenues, a gap he said must be addressed through consistent communication.
Musa proposed the installation of signposts on government projects indicating they are funded by taxpayers, alongside messages encouraging civic responsibility. He also advocated integrating tax education into school curricula to build awareness from an early age.
In his remarks, the 15th Chairman of ICAN Abuja, Dr. Michael Nnachi Okpara, said the seminar aimed to educate both government and citizens on their roles in the tax system. He underscored the need for accountability, noting that transparency in revenue collection and spending would build trust and encourage voluntary compliance.
Okpara expressed confidence that ongoing tax reforms would yield positive outcomes if effectively implemented.
Also speaking, AVM Abubakar Idris Adamu a Governing Council member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), who represented the ICAN President at the seminar, emphasises the need to re-evaluate values, ethics, and professionalism in light of ongoing tax reforms. He noted that civic responsibility and discipline are essential for successful policy implementation, urging citizens to comply with tax obligations. Mashard also stressed that government must build public trust through transparency and visible use of tax revenues.
He highlighted ICAN’s role in supporting government policies, contributing to tax law reforms, and partnering with authorities to promote compliance and national development through sustained engagement.
