Jigawa: Chamber of Commerce President seeks fair revenue allocation for local devt

The President of the Jigawa State Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture, Alhaji Muhammad Muktari, has advocated for tax and revenue collected to be spent based on a percentage allocation of either 50/50 or 60/40 in the area, place, or point of collection, ensuring that people see tangible benefits.

The president made this disclosure while fielding questions from journalists at a Policy Dialogue on Gender Responsiveness and Tax-for-Service Agreements at the Manpower Development Institute, Dutse. The event was organised by the Tax Justice and Governance initiative, supported by Prime Initiative for Development, Christian Aid, and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC).

He also promised to convene all affiliated unions and associations within the chamber to discuss issues related to tax collection, prosperity, and challenges in the state.

Alhaji Muhammad Muktari stated that the meeting aimed to raise awareness and enlighten members of all affiliated associations on why taxes are collected, how they are utilised, and the benefits to them.

He noted that “when tax and revenue are properly collected and utilised, it makes every year’s budget feasible and achievable. We are talking about tax-for-service. You pay the tax, and the government will provide something that benefits you socially or economically.”

The president reiterated that all tax and revenue collected should be spent based on a percentage allocation of either 60/40 or 50/50 in the area where it was collected, ensuring that people see the real benefits.

In her remarks, the Programme Gender Officer of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Miss Shola Alako Docass, stated that “the organisations had earlier launched the Gender Responsiveness Survey Report on Tax Policy and Administration in Jigawa State and held a Policy Dialogue on Gender Responsiveness and Tax-for-Service Agreements. This initiative serves as a strategic guide for policymakers, tax officials, and relevant stakeholders to enhance gender-sensitive tax administration.”

According to her, the document leverages insights from prior research on how taxation impacts women in the informal sector, examining gender disparities in tax payments and taxpayers’ perspectives on the laws and policies of Jigawa State.

She explained that, following the survey, various stakeholders—including civil society organisations (CSOs), state and non-state actors, partners, and relevant authorities—convened to provide input, make recommendations, and validate the findings before the final launch.

Docass added that “today’s launched handbook offers practical recommendations to promote fairness, equity, and inclusivity in taxation.

“This handbook presents a comprehensive analysis of gender disparities in Jigawa State’s tax policies and economic participation. It highlights the challenges women face, particularly in the informal sector, and offers actionable recommendations for gender-sensitive tax reforms, financial inclusion, and policy implementation.”

She emphasised that “by addressing these gaps, the handbook aims to promote equitable economic opportunities and support sustainable development in Jigawa State.”

In his keynote address, the Executive Director of the Prime Initiative for Development, Mr Muhammad Abdul Dutse, stated that “this report was made possible through the support of Christian Aid Nigeria and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) under the Fostering Gender-Just Recoveries Through Tax Systems in Nigeria project.”

Mr Dutse expressed appreciation for their commitment to advancing gender equity in taxation. “We extend our gratitude to the Jigawa State Internal Revenue Service (JIRS), the Jigawa State Bureau of Statistics, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Ministry of Women Affairs for their collaboration and contributions to data collection.”

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