The Tax Justice and Governance Platform held a learning session in collaboration with OXFAM and CISLAC on the 20th of November, 2024. The meeting was discussed pertinent issues related to tax justice and governance. Amaechi Kelechi (Rivers State Tax Justice & Governance forum coordinator) welcomed attendees, highlighting the importance of the session in addressing issues of tax justice, good governance, and to enhance members’ capacity in advocating for transparent and equitable governance structures. The presentation sessions covered the following areas:
- Trends in global and local tax policies
- The role of civil society in promoting transparency and accountability
- The need for a coordinated approach to advocate for tax justice.
The interactive session provided a platform for participants to engage, share experiences, and propose solutions. The key points discussed include:
- Local challenges regarding tax administration and governance, such as corruption, poor implementation of existing tax laws, public resistance to taxation
- The importance of collaboration between organizations to strengthen advocacy
- The role of data and public awareness campaigns in influencing policy changes
The session emphasized the importance of tax justice in reducing inequality, foster awareness and understanding of tax justice issues and to enhance members’ capacity in advocating for transparent and equitable governance structures. Participants discussed advocacy efforts, including submitting a brief to the state governor and launching a USSD code to make the tax system more inclusive. Progress was highlighted, such as the review of the decade- old tax system and elimination of nuisance taxes like the bicycle tax. It was mentioned that a good advocacy must focus on building capacity, engaging policymakers, and adapting to trends.
The session came to an end with clear resolutions to guide the following future actions.
- The Tax justice and Governance platform resolved to organize more training sessions to enhance members advocacy skills and strengthen collaborations with OXFAM and CISLAC.
- Annual Tax Summit is tentatively set to happen soon.
- Plans are underway to review and update the state’s ten-year-old tax system