Tax justice advocates have urged the government to develop and enforce gender-sensitive policies that support individuals operating in the business informal sector. The call was made during the screening of the Window Tax documentary and a policy dialogue held in Port Harcourt.
The event, organised by the Community Conciliation and Development Initiative in collaboration with the Rivers State Tax Justice and Governance Platform, Oxfam Novib, and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), sought to share lived experiences from the tax ecosystem in Rivers State and gather feedback for future policy recommendations.
Evelyn Williams, a representative of the Tax Justice and Governance Platform, stressed the need for tax reforms that protect informal business operators, especially women, from exploitative practices.
“What the engagement aims to achieve is to ensure that policies favour those doing business in the informal sector, particularly women. There is an urgent need for gender-sensitive taxation policies and mechanisms to seek redress when faced with multiple or illegal taxes.”
She also called for tax harmonisation, stating: “We need a system where taxpayers pay a single unit of tax, rather than being levied by federal, state, local, and even community-level agents.”
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Williams emphasized that taxpayers expect to see tangible benefits from the taxes they pay. “Women, especially, want transparency and accountability, they want to know how their taxes are being used,” she said.
Dr. Ngozi Koroye, State Business Manager for LSSBI Advisory, the technical partner to the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service on digitalisation, advocated for increased awareness about the digital USSD tax payment platform.
“Since launching the digital tax code, we’ve been engaging with market unions and traders, educating them on how to pay taxes electronically,” Koroye noted. “Unfortunately, many traders are unaware and continue to fall prey to touts.”
She acknowledged challenges in mobilising traders for sensitisation but reaffirmed efforts to collaborate with union leaders.
Also speaking at the event, Ilamina Akanibo, immediate past Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (Port Harcourt District), advised business owners to maintain proper financial records.
“Many taxpayers do not know their rights or obligations. The Taxpayer Charter clearly spells these out. Proper record-keeping not only helps the tax authorities assess businesses fairly but also protects taxpayers from unjust levies.”
He added that compliance with monthly returns, tax registration, and obtaining a Tax Identification Number (TIN) are essential to avoiding tax evasion allegations.
“Tax authorities have a duty to educate and inform taxpayers. No one should be harassed or coerced into paying taxes without due process,” he concluded.
The dialogue highlighted the need for a more inclusive, transparent, and accessible tax system that empowers informal sector operators, particularly women, while promoting tax compliance and fairness.
