Jigawa Chamber of Commerce Advocates Deploying 50 Percent Tax To Area Of Generation
By: Ahmed Aminu, Dutse
The Jigawa Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, has advocated for the deployment of 50 percent of the tax collected in area to projects and programmes that will enhance the livelihoods of the communities.
The President of the chamber, Alhaji Muhammad Muktari, told newsmen on Friday in Dutse that the chamber will welcome equitable distribution of taxes based on generation.
He spoke on the sideline of a Policy Dialogue on Gender Responsiveness and Tax-for-Service Agreement, organised by the Tax-Justice and Governance, with the support of Prime Initiative for Development, Christian Aid, and Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC).
Alhaji Muhammed welcomed the dialogue, which was centred on creating awareness on the importance of tax to any society.
“When the tax and revenue are properly collected and utilised, it would make every year’s budget possible and actual. We are talking of tax for service. You pay the tax and government would do something that would benefit you socially or economically.”
The president of the chamber believed that by committing 50 to 60 percent of all tax and revenue collected from a particular area to its development, more people will be willing to pay their tax.
Miss Shola Alako Docas, CISILAC gender officer, Miss Shola Alako Docass said they had launched the state’s Gender Responsiveness Survey Report on Tax Policy and Administration to serves as strategic guide for policymakers, tax officials, and relevant stakeholders to enhance gender-sensitive tax administration.
According to her, the document had x-rayed how tax impacted women in the informal sector, and looked at gender disparity in term of payment and taxpayer’s perspectives with regards to laws and policies.
She said after the launch, different stakeholders such as CSOs, state and non-state actors, partners, made their inputs and recommendations and validated the document.
“The launched handbook offers practical recommendations to promote fairness, equity, and inclusivity in taxation.
“This handbook presents a comprehensive analysis of gender disparities in Jigawa State’s tax policies and economic participation.
It highlights the challenges women face particularly in the informal sector, and offers actionable recommendations for gender-sensitive tax reforms, financial inclusion, and policy implementation.
“By addressing these gaps, the handbook aims to promote equitable economic opportunities and support sustainable development in Jigawa State,” the CISLAC official said.
In his keynote address, the Executive Director, Prime Initiative for Development, Mr Muhammad Abdul Dutse said the report was made possible with the support of Christian Aid Nigeria and CISLAC under the Fostering Gender-Just Recoveries Through Tax Systems in Nigeria project.
He appreciated the commitment of the partners to advancing gender equity in taxation, and the state Internal Revenue Service, Bureau of Statistics, and ministries of Commerce, and that of women Affairs for their collaboration and data contributions.
