By Daniel Edu
The Tax Justice Network (TJN), in partnership with the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), has initiated efforts to improve the visibility of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in Kaduna through media engagement and reporting.
This round table engagement, designed to secure media support in Kaduna, received backing from Christian Aid. Mr. Simeon Olatunde, the Coordinator of TJN in Kaduna, emphasized the media’s vital role in promoting a fair, inclusive, and citizen-driven tax process.
He described TJN as a coalition of civil society and media advocates working to promote equity and inclusive prosperity in Kaduna State. TJN’s focus is on fostering socioeconomic justice through an equitable and fair tax system within the state and beyond.
“Throughout the years, we have been dedicated to promoting good governance, tax education, and awareness, in collaboration with the state government, private sector, and development partners, to protect and advance taxpayers’ rights and compliance,” he stated.
Olatunde noted that there is limited knowledge about taxation among media professionals in Kaduna, which motivated the round table engagement.
“The Network, in collaboration with tax experts, identified that media professionals, although part of the network, often possess limited knowledge about taxation, and their coverage tends to revolve around figures and tax lines. Our work with the media has been on a small scale, and we aim to expand our reach,” he explained.
The engagement’s objective is to involve more media professionals, broaden their understanding, and enhance their capacity to provide better tax education.
Regarding public tax administration education, Olatunde mentioned that the network engages communities through the Community Development Charter (CDC) process, creating opportunities for communities to discuss tax concerns at the local level.
The coordinator emphasized TJN’s commitment to advocating for development levies and taxes that directly benefit the community, ensuring that a specific portion of the revenue generated goes back to the local community.
