The Progressive Institute (TPI), and the Amalgamated Forum of Former Councillors in Nigeria (AFFCN) are set to sensitise grassroots across the country to electoral and tax reforms by the Federal Government.

The Director-General of TPI, Dr Lanre Adebayo, disclosed this at a press conference on Friday in Abuja.

The theme of the conference was, “The Nationwide Summit to Demystify Nigeria’s Tax and Electoral Reforms for Grassroots Appreciation.”

The event was organised by TPI in collaboration with AFFCN.

Mr Adebayo said the summit aimed to promote clear understanding of Federal Government’s significant reform agenda.

He stated, “We are pleased to formally announce the nationwide summit on the demysification of Nigeria’s tax and electoral reforms.bThe South-South pilot edition is scheduled to hold between August  13 and 14 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. This summit is a national civic enlightenment initiative, that will address misinformation and misconceptions surrounding the reforms.”

Mr Adebayo said that the summit would also strengthen civic participation in governance and democratic processes.

“He said that the initiative sought to build confidence and encourage grassroots ownership of the reform agenda.

“It also seeks to promote informed public discourse while addressing misinformation and misconceptions surrounding the reforms,” he said.

He stated that the unique strength of the initiative was the strategic involvement of former councillors drawn from the six South-South states.

“As the largest organised network of former grassroots elected officials in Nigeria, the zones possess extensive community reach and remain trusted voices within their respective wards and local government areas.

“The councillors’ participation is intended to strengthen policy communication and facilitate wider grassroots appreciation of the reforms.

“Collaboration with the AFFCN reflects a shared commitment to promoting informed public engagement and ensuring that national reforms are clearly understood by ordinary Nigerians,” he stated.

According to the DG, the summit also serves as a proactive measure to the wave of disinformation, ensuring that Nigerians are not misled by partisan propaganda.

He stated, “It is important to state that in recent times, elements of the opposition and other naysayers have embarked on a sustained campaign of misinformation.

“These opposition forces have falsely portrayed the tax reforms as punitive and anti-people, whereas the reality is that these reforms are carefully designed to be pro-poor and pro-middle class.

“It comes with clear provisions that protect low income earners, reduce the tax burden on all small businesses, create fiscal environment that encourages enterprise expansion and job creation.”

He called on government at all levels to support the initiative.

“We respectfully call on governments at all levels, the National Assembly, electoral and revenue management institutions, development partners, corporate organisations, civic society groups and the media, to support this important national initiative.

“Respective partnership will significantly contribute to ensuring that accurate information reaches the grassroots and the public confidence in Nigeria’s reform agenda continues to grow,” he added.

The National Focal Person, AFFCN, Nkereuwem James, said that it was best to sensitise the public to the policies rather than allow them to be misled by opposition parties.

Mr James added, “Nigerians should rejoice that the new tax reform had lifted the tax burden from low-income earners and placed it on large corporate organisations. Together, let us build a more informed citizenry and a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria.”

 (NAN)