Tax Justice Calls for Enhanced Communication, Awareness on GRM in Kano
By Mustapha Salisu
The Tax Justice and Governance Platform (TJ&GP) in Kano State has called for improved communication and increased taxpayer awareness to enhance the effectiveness of the Grievance, Redress, and Complaint Mechanism (GRM).
This was highlighted during a GRM review and reflection meeting held in Kano on Wednesday, where stakeholders discussed the successes and challenges of the system.
Speaking at the event, Sadiq Muhammad Mustapha, Program Lead of the Tax Justice and Governance Platform in Kano, explained that the GRM is a framework designed to strengthen the relationship between taxpayers and tax authorities by addressing grievances and inquiries.
“The GRM serves as a vital tool for ensuring taxpayers’ concerns are heard and resolved promptly. However, our review has revealed the need to improve communication and promote awareness, as many taxpayers are unaware of the existing GRM channels,” Mustapha said.
PRIME TIME NEWS gathered that, the meeting commended efforts of the Kano State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS) in enhancing the GRM. Notable strides include equipping GRM units with essential tools like computers and mobile service centers to provide timely services.
“We truly commend KIRS for their deliberate efforts in strengthening the GRM units. The provision of working materials, technology, and mobile services has significantly improved service delivery. However, we appeal to KIRS to further strengthen the system to ensure seamless communication between taxpayers and tax authorities,” Mustapha added.
Looking ahead, Mr Sadiq hinted that the Tax Justice plans to advocate for the adoption of their recommendations to address existing challenges within the GRM. These include advancing the system’s digitalization and raising public awareness to ensure taxpayers fully utilize the mechanism.
“Only through collaboration and commitment can we achieve a more effective and transparent tax system in Kano State,” Mustapha concluded.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Zaid Abubakar, Executive Chairman of KIRS, emphasized the importance of utilizing feedback from taxpayers to improve services and promote mutual understanding.
“The reason for this meeting is for us to be acquainted with how to utilize the inquiries and feedback from taxpayers to enhance mutual understanding and strengthen the relationship between taxpayers and us, the tax authorities, to improve our services,” Dr. Abubakar stated.
Represented by his Special Adviser, Nafiu Shehu Rikadawa, he acknowledged areas requiring improvement based on available statistics.
“There are areas that KIRS is expected to improve on, but at least we are better off than where we were before. We pledge to work with the suggestions raised to improve mutual understanding and our relationship with taxpayers,” Rikadawa noted.
