TJ&GP, TinT-Follow Taxes Partner to Improve Tax Transparency, Equity in Kano
By Mustapha Salisu
The Tax Justice and Governance Platform (TJ&GP) in collaboration with TinT-Follow Taxes has organized a two-day sensitization engagement for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Members of the media on Improving Tax Transparency and Equity in Kano State.
PRIME TIME NEWS reports, the workshop held today at the Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Research, Mambayya House, is supported by Christian Aid (CAID) and The International Budget Partnership (IBP).
In his opening remarks, convener of the workshop, Sadiq Muhammad Mustapha, highlighted the need for greater collaboration between CSOs and the media to enhance taxpayers’ understanding of their rights and obligations.
“There is a disconnect between CSOs and the media in promoting tax transparency and equity in Kano State. So This workshop aims to bridge this gap and empower CSOs and journalists to advocate for effective tax collection and fiscal accountability” Mustapha stated.
Dr. Abdulsalam Muhammad Kani, the Executive Director of Fiscal Discipline and Development Advocacy Centre (FIDAC), addressed the participants on “Tax Equity” and stressed the importance of fairness in tax collection.
“Tax equity promotes voluntary tax compliance. As such, all taxpayers in Kano State should be given the flexibility to pay taxes according to their circumstances” Kani explained.
Abdulsalam also identified the lack of working laws and policies as a major obstacle to smooth tax collection in Kano State. He cited the example of the Tax Policy 2023, Revenue Consolidation & Codification Law 2021, and Medium Term Revenue and Strategy, all of which have not been fully implemented.
“Section 5 & 6 of the Codification Law clearly states that there should be an established governing board, but this has not been done. While Section 16 provides for a Technical Committee of taxation experts to assist the Internal Revenue Board, but this has also not been formed”
“Also Section 18 of the Law mandates the remittance of 5-10% of tax revenue to the service for Financial and Administrative Autonomy, but this is not being strictly adhered to,” he added.
Kani urged CSOs, the media, and citizens to advocate for tax and gender equity and to ensure that all tax laws and policies are translated into Hausa and Ajami languages for wider dissemination.
PRIME TIME NEWS reports that other highlights of the workshop included paper presentations, group discussions, and group photos.
