The Tax- to- Service write- Shop and Step- Down Meeting began with an introduction by Mr. Kelechi, the Rivers State Tax Justice and Governance Forum Coordinator. Attendees include CSOs, students from the University Tax Club, Business/market people and the media. In his opening remarks, the Coordinator highlighted the annual event’s focus on addressing tax issues, particularly those affecting small and nano businesses. He emphasized the Tax Justice Platform’s principle of “fair and progressive taxation,” advocating for a tax system where large businesses pay more taxes than small ones. He stressed that big businesses, which generate higher profits, should bear a larger share of the tax burden, as small businesses are crucial to the nation’s economy and must not be taxed to the point of suffocation. He also shared insights from a recent meeting with Mr. Ayo, Chairman of Cisco Reforms, where key issues such as the 5% extraction tax and taxes on locally manufactured goods were discussed. He noted that such taxes negatively impact the economy, highlighting the need for reforms.
He also addressed the financial autonomy of local government councils, emphasizing the importance of holding them accountable for taxes and levies collected. While local Governments are receiving more funds, inflation continues to erode their purchasing power. He stressed the importance of informal sectors, particularly traders and market people, in the tax ecosystem and the need for Local Governments to deliver services in return for taxes collected. Mr. Kelechi pointed out that many markets lack basic amenities such as running water, parking spaces, proper drainage, sanitation, and hygiene. He stressed the importance of this sensitization meeting to encourage citizens to demand accountability from the Government.
The University tax club members were also invited to the stage, starting with Favour, the pioneer president of the University of Port Harcourt Tax Club. Favour explained how she introduced the club to the university after discovering the University of Nigeria, Nsukka’s (UNN) Tax Club on LinkedIn last year. She outlined the objectives of the club, which aims to promote tax awareness among students. Peculiar, the current president of the Rivers State University Tax Club shared insights about their club, noting that it is the first University tax club in the South- South region. Both representatives highlighted financial challenges and the need for resource personnel to support their activities.
A Tax- to- Service write- shop was facilitated by Nancy Iheduru, focusing on capacity building for the informal sector in Rivers State. The workshop aimed to build capacity among participants, particularly those representing the informal sector, and to create a charter of demands using a rights-based approach to advocacy. Participants were divided into four groups, each addressing specific market- related issues:
Group 1: Demanded improved security in Elele Market.
Group 2: Called for adequate water supply in Mile 3 Market.
Group 3: Highlighted the need for proper waste management in Oyigbo Market.
Group 4: Advocated for market leadership autonomy in Oyigbo Ultra- Modern Market.
After the presentation, it was agreed to prioritize the demand from Group 4 for market leadership autonomy and to take actionable steps towards achieving it.
Participants were informed about the ongoing radio program open to market traders, students, and the general public to discuss tax- related issues and promote awareness. Attendees were encouraged to follow the Tax Justice platform on social media and use hashtags #Tax4serviceRivers and #MainTax4Rivers when sharing pictures or highlights from the event. The meeting came to an end with the closing prayer, marking the end of a productive session.
The meeting aimed to promote fair taxation, equip participants to advocate for improved services, and hold local governments accountable for tax revenues. It also sought to foster collaboration and develop actionable demands to address Key challenges in Rivers State