Tax Justice Pushes for Gender-Responsive Taxation in Kano
By Mustapha Salisu
The Tax Justice and Governance Platform (TJ&GP) Kano Chapter recently met with the Kano State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS) to advocate for gender-responsive taxation as part of a broader project aimed at improving tax education and citizen engagement.
During the planning meeting held on Monday, Sadik Muhammad Mustapha, Program Lead for TJ&GP Kano, revealed plans to launch a radio program aimed at educating the public on tax administration in the state, particularly on topics such as the Central Billing System (CBS) and the Kano Integrated Revenue Management System (KIRMAS).
“We are proposing an eight-episode radio series where KIRS representatives will discuss relevant tax issues to enhance public awareness. The radio program is designed to inform citizens about the state’s tax policies and encourage compliance through increased understanding” Sadik explained.
He also announced that TJ&GP will be hosting a capacity-building workshop for officers of the Grievance, Redress, and Complaint Mechanism (GRMs) unit on October 22, 2024. “The training aims to strengthen the unit’s role in facilitating effective communication between taxpayers and the tax authority” Sadik noted.
In his response, Nafiu Shehu, Special Adviser to the Executive Chairman of KIRS, expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that the proposal aligns with KIRS’s ongoing efforts to boost public awareness and engagement on tax matters.
He approved the radio program and instructed that formal arrangements begin immediately, with the aim of launching the series next week.
Malam Muhammad Abba Aliyu, Executive Director of Compliance and Enforcement at KIRS, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to collaborating with development partners like TJ&GP.
He emphasized the importance of sensitizing key groups, especially market women who play a significant role in both the formal and informal sectors.
The meeting also saw participation from representatives of various organizations, including The Dispute Resolution & Development Initiative, the Association of Nigerian Women Business Network (ANWBN), and the media comprising of Prime Time News and Premier Radio.
