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How Tax Reform Will Drive Economy

Published

12 months ago

November 6, 2024

By Aderonke Atoyebi

The Tax Reform Bill has become a point of discussion in Nigeria, generating enthusiasm and concern among various stakeholders, and the general public. This reform includes four legislative proposals: the Nigeria Tax Bill, which aims to eliminate multiple taxation; the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill (NTAB), designed to harmonize tax processes across all levels of government; the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, which seeks to rename the Federal Inland Revenue Service to Nigeria Revenue Service; and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, proposing the creation of a Joint Revenue Board to streamline tax administration. Together, these bills are set to transform the nation’s tax sector, making it more efficient and aligned with global best practices.

President Tinubu stands firmly behind this reform, recognizing its potential to drive economic growth and enhance national development. In his recent statements, President Tinubu has expressed unwavering support for the Tax Reform Bill, urging northern governors to allow the legislative process to unfold without unnecessary interruptions. He emphasizes that this is not merely a political exercise; rather, it is a step toward achieving economic prosperity for all Nigerians. The bill is not about favoring one region over another but is designed to create a fairer and more effective tax system that benefits the entire country.

The Tax Reform Bill represents a move towards economic prosperity and national development. The focus should be on the transformative impact of these reforms, which aim to streamline tax administration and eliminate inefficiencies that have long hindered progress.

The vision that President Tinubu holds for Nigeria’s economy is one of resilience and opportunity. He envisions an economy where businesses can thrive, investments flow freely, and citizens enjoy improved living standards. The Bill is a component of this vision, aimed at simplifying tax burdens and enhancing compliance, allowing the government to invest more in public services and infrastructure.

For the citizens of Nigeria, the benefits of this reform are clear. By addressing the complexities of the current tax system, the bill promises to alleviate the burden on taxpayers, making it easier for people and businesses to meet their obligations. This, in turn, will lead to increased revenue for the government, enabling it to fund services that improve the quality of life for all Nigerians.

Nigerians should refrain from creating problems where none exist. President Tinubu acknowledges the valuable input from the NEC, as reflected in recent communications. It is important to understand that the bill is not designed to disadvantage the northern region. The derivation model for Value-Added Tax (VAT) is structured to allocate tax revenues based on consumption rather than the production location.

For instance, while telecommunications companies may be headquartered in Lagos, the substantial consumer base is in Kano, which means that the northern region stands to gain more from VAT revenue due to its high level of consumption. The same principle applies to other sectors, such as confectioneries and soft drinks. Therefore, irrespective of where, whether North, South, East, or West has much to gain from the proposed VAT distribution model.

As Nigeria moves forward with these reforms, it is necessary to remain focused on the bigger picture. There is a tremendous amount of work to be done, and the nation must avoid distractions that could derail its progress. President Tinubu is working closely together with the right team to ensure that the Tax Reform Bill catalyzes positive change and national development, paving the way for a prosperous future for all Nigerians.

With open dialogue and a commitment to collaboration, Nigeria can move forward toward a brighter, more equitable future. The time for change is now, and together, we can illuminate the path to progress and prosperity for all Nigerians. Supporting this reform will improve the economy generally and simplify tax procedures, allowing all citizens to prosper in a system built on efficiency and fairness.

Atoyebi, an award-winning investigative journalist, is the Technical Assistant, Broadcast Media, to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service. She writes from Abuja

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Daughters of Dr. Charles Ononiwu, Chiamanda and Chiamaka, Launch Debut Books to Uplift Hearts Facing Life’s Struggles

Published

4 weeks ago

October 10, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

At just 18 and 20 years old, Chiamanda and Chiamaka Ononiwu — daughters of renowned Nigerian surgeon Dr. Charles Ononiwu — have achieved a remarkable milestone with the release of their debut inspirational books, Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls.

Their literary journey began six years ago, during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic. While the world was engulfed in fear and uncertainty, the then 13- and 15-year-old sisters turned inward, using writing as an outlet to process their emotions, express their faith, and reach out to others with messages of hope and resilience.

What began as a quiet act of creativity blossomed into two powerful books that now serve as beacons of light for readers navigating life’s storms.

Eighteen-year-old Chiamanda Ononiwu is the author of Do Not Be Afraid. A passionate Electrical Engineering student , she is also a proud alumna of Intellichild TLC and Valedictorian of Great Blessings School, Class of 2022.

In her book, she addresses the emotional challenges many young people face and draws from her personal faith to offer guidance and encouragement.

Her elder sister, Chiamaka Ononiwu, 20, is a final-year medical student at Babcock University in Nigeria. She penned Waterfalls, a heartfelt and deeply spiritual work she describes as divinely inspired. Chiamaka views her writing as a calling — a mission to uplift souls and bring hope to those struggling with life’s challenges.

“Personally, I would say it all started with the idea of inclusion, inspired by real human experiences,” Chiamaka shared. “We’ve had conversations with people who’ve gone through difficult situations — including issues and those stories helped shape what I write today.”

She added, “It’s all about encouraging people to face life with faith. We began this journey during a dark time in the world, and I felt called to create something that could offer comfort and hope — not just locally, but globally.”

The official book launch and signing ceremony took place on Wednesday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and was attended by family, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers. It was a celebration of creativity, faith, and youthful brilliance, as the sisters presented their work to an inspired audience.

Speaking at the event, Chiamaka emphasized the core message of her book: “Waterfalls reminds readers that God is always watching over His people. He doesn’t bring fear — He brings peace, hope, and love. I want readers to find comfort and assurance in that truth.”

For Chiamanda, her book is a message to young people who may feel overwhelmed by life’s pressures: “Do Not Be Afraid is especially for youth navigating difficult times. No matter how hard life gets, you can always find strength and direction in God’s word.”

Writing came naturally to both sisters. Chiamaka recalled, “Even as a child, I loved writing short stories for my siblings. When the opportunity came to publish, I knew it was time to share my message with a wider audience.”

Despite their demanding academic paths, both young women balanced their studies with writing through perseverance and faith.

Chiamanda and Chiamaka are united by a shared dream — to inspire people across the world with their writing.

Chiamaka expressed Further; “Our biggest hope is that these books will reach people who need to know that God is real, that He’s always with them, and that through Him, anything is possible,” Chiamaka said.

With Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls, the Ononiwu sisters have not only created literary works — they’ve created lifelines. Their voices, grounded in faith and driven by purpose, remind readers everywhere that even in the darkest moments, God’s light never fades.

Their father, Dr. Charles Ononiwu — a distinguished surgeon and deeply devoted parent — also spoke at the event, sharing the journey from his perspective.

“For me, my number one priority has always been to care for children — not just medically, but also by encouraging them academically and in the basics of life,” he said.

He recounted a moving moment with Chiamanda, who approached him with the idea of sharing her story publicly to inspire others.

“She came to me and said she wanted to talk to her peers, to share how she had been comforted, and to help them see that everything would be okay,” he recalled. “As a father, my role was to guide her. I support both of them, help activate their strengths, and provide direction.”

Dr. Ononiwu made the decision to fund the publication of their books himself, believing in the power of their message.

“I told them, ‘You have something the world needs. You can make an impact in the lives of others,’” he said. “I believe every child has a gift. It is our responsibility as parents not to dismiss them, but to help them discover and nurture their talents.”

He encouraged all parents to support their children’s creative pursuits, noting, “Every person has something special inside them — no one is without talent. It’s just a matter of looking inward, discovering that gift, and sharing it with the world.”

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