By Rabiu Sanusi
A significant engagement on tax justice and governance was held in Kano State, bringing together a teaming up of stakeholders included Market leaders, Women groups, and representatives of people with disabilities.
The program which organized by the Dispute resolution and initiative (DRID) in collaboration with the Tax Justice and Governance Platform (TJ&GP) and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC), was funded by Christian Aid.
Sadiq Muhammad Mustapha, the Program Lead for the Tax Justice and Governance Platform, highlighted the essence of the engagement, emphasizing the need to build capacity and raise awareness on tax payment and accountability.
Mr Sadiq noted that while markets generate significant revenue at the local government level, there is little utilization of these funds for infrastructure and community development, particularly for people with special needs.
“One of the key advocacies we are pushing for is the ‘Tax for Service’ model, which allows taxpayers to negotiate with the government on how a percentage of their tax contributions should be allocated for development,” Mustapha explained.
He added that this initiative would increase taxpayers’ confidence and encourage more compliance, ultimately boosting state revenue.
In her remarks Miss Ashaolu Dolapo Dorcas, the Gender Officer at CISLAC, expressed optimism about achieving a signed Tax for Service Agreement in Kano State.
She emphasized Kano’s role as a lead state in the project, stating that success here would set a precedent for other states, including Kaduna and Jigawa, which are also implementing the Fostering Gender Justice Recovery Project.
“Our expectation is to have at least one signed agreement in Kano, which will serve as a model for other states.”
“We are also working towards organizing similar engagements in Jigawa and Kaduna, with the hope of achieving signed agreements by April,” she added
on his part the representative people with disabilities, Malam Aminu Tudun Wada committed to sensitizing his colleagues on the importance of tax compliance.
He underscored the need for inclusive development, ensuring that tax revenues contribute to infrastructure that benefits all members of society, including persons with disabilities.
The engagement concluded with stakeholders drafting charters of demand to formalize Tax for Service agreements. With strong commitments from market associations, people with disabilities, and government representatives, the initiative is expected to drive accountability and ensure that tax revenues translate into tangible development for the people of Kano State.
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