Group Urges Jigawa Govt to Disaggregate Tax Data by Gender
From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse
The Tax Justice and Governance Platform through Prime Initiative for Development Fiscal Transparency with support from the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Christian Aid (CAID) has called on Jigawa state Internal Revenue Services to Disaggregate Tax Data by Gender.
The call was made during the lunch of Genda Analysis Survey report and key findings and policy dialogue on gender-responsive and Tax-for-services agreement in Jigawa, held at manpower development Institute Dutse.
The findings recommend Jigawa government analyze gender-specific tax burdens to inform equitable tax policies as well as publish annual reports highlighting gender disparities in taxation and compliance.
Other findings urged the government to expand Gender-Sensitive Tax Incentives and Relief Programs, Introduction of tax exemptions for women-owned businesses in low-profit sectors, and Implement tax credits for women balancing business and caregiving responsibilities.
The report also suggested the establishment of temporary tax relief programs for struggling businesses owned by women. Simplify Tax Processes for Informal Sector Workers and Develop simplified tax registration and filing systems in local languages with the provision of visual tax guides and mobile-based tax advisory services.
The group also recommended Partnerships with community leaders and cooperatives to conduct tax literacy workshops and
Promotion of Digital Tax Payment and Record-Keeping Systems with the Introduction of mobile-friendly tax payment platforms to reduce corruption risks.
While making his remarks, the President of Jigawa State Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, Alhaji Muhammad Muktari advocated for tax and revenue collected to be spent based on per cent of 50/50 or 60/40 per cent allocation of the amount in the area, place or point collected people to see the real benefits.
He also promised to convey all affiliated unions and associations of the chamber to discuss issues about tax collection prosperity and challenges in the state.
Also Speaking at the dialogue, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC) programme gender officer, Mrs Ashaolu Dolapo Dorcas said “The organizations had earlier launch of the Gender Responsiveness Survey Report on Tax Policy and Administration in Jigawa State and a Policy Dialogue on Gender Responsiveness and Tax-for-Service Agreements aimed to serves as a strategic guide for policymakers, tax officials, and relevant stakeholders to enhance gender-sensitive tax administration”.
According to hers the document launched is leveraging insights from the research earlier made on how tax impacted women in an informal sector, to look at gender disparity in terms of payment and taxpayers’ perspectives of laws and policies of Jigawa state.
She said, “By addressing these gaps, the handbook aims to promote equitable economic opportunities and support sustainable development in Jigawa State”.
In his keynote address the executive director of the Prime Initiative for Development, Mr Muhammad Abdul Dutse said “This report was made possible through the support of Christian Aid Nigeria and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) under the Fostering Gender-Just Recoveries Through Tax Systems in Nigeria project”.
He then appreciated their commitment to advancing gender equity in taxation. We extend our gratitude to Jigawa State Internal Revenue Service (JIRS), Jigawa State Bureau of Statistics, Ministry of Commerce, and Women Affairs for their collaboration and data contributions”.
