Representative of 16th President/Chairman of Council CITN,the VP Mr Innocent Ohagwa, FCTI, the DVP Dr Simon Kato,FCTI, the Chairman of Session Dr Mark Abani,FCTI, the Ag Executive Chairman FCT-IRS Mr Michael Ango,FCTI, the National Chairperson Dr Bosede Ikhanoba,FCTI, the National Vice Chairperson Dr Caroline Ndubuisi,FCTI, Discussants and Moderator of Plenary Session during the Tax Summit in Abuja on Thursday.
By Victoria Onehi
The National Chairperson of the Society of Women in Taxation (SWIT) Dr Mrs Bosede Ikhanoba, has said for tax policies to be truly effective, they must recognise and address gender disparities in access to economic opportunities.
Ikanoba disclosed this at the 2nd Tax Summit organised by the Society of Women in Taxation (SWIT) on Thursday in Abuja,
In her welcome remarks, she said taxation plays an invaluable role in shaping economies, but for tax policies to be effective, they must recognise and address gender disparities in access to economic opportunities.
She stated: “The role of taxation in shaping economies cannot be overstated. However, for tax policies to be truly effective, they must recognise and address gender disparities in access to economic opportunities.”
“The theme therefore challenges us to critically assess how we can make tax reforms work for everyone—particularly the women entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders— ensuring that tax policies promote equity, economic sustainability, and national development.” Ikanoba said.
President and Chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Taxation in Nigeria (CITN) Mr Samuel Agbeluyi, expressed optimism that the Tax Reform Bills currently before the National Assembly (NASS) would further empower women to contribute maximally to national economic development.
Represented by the Vice President, CITN, Innocent Ohagwa, Mr Agbeluyi said a lot of incentives are introduced in the new bill, including exempting small businesses from income tax among others.
He said: “I am quite pleased with the choice of topic for the summit, which is ‘Leveraging Tax Reforms for inclusive Economic Growth: A Gender Responsive Approach.’ This theme is apt considering the current efforts of the present government on embarking on a bold move to undertake a comprehensive reform of the Nigerian tax system.The passage of the Economic stabilization bills at the National Assembly is a pointer to these efforts.
“As professionals, we have important roles to play in enhancing the active participation of women in economic development endeavours.
“Fortunately, the current Tax Reform holds a lot of benefit for small businesses in Nigeria, a significant proportion of which are women operated businesses.” Agbeluyi said.
The Chairman of Session and Coordinating Dean, Taxation Facilities, CITN, Dr Mark Abani, lauded the provisions of the Tax Reform Bill for being gender responsive, urging women not to relent on their oars but continue to keep their head up towards achieving the overall goal.
Highlights of the event was the decoration of the 7th Life Patron to past SWIT Chairperson and current FIDA International President,Barr Ezinwa Okoroafor,in recognition of her unwavering support and dedication to tax advocacy and gender equity. Also, awards were presented to Winners of Tax Debate Competition and Recognition of SWIT Senior Female Members/Awards.
The event had dignitaries from within and outside the tax circle.They are Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the economy, Wale Edun and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr Nyesom Wike.Others are the Special Guest of Honour; the Chairman, Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele and the Executive Chairman, FIRS, Dr Zach Adedeji as Keynote Speaker; to mention but a few.
SWIT was formally inaugurated on 7th May 2010 as an arm of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) with a view to serving as an umbrella body of the female members of the Institute and to meet the yearnings and aspirations of women for recognition as a force to reckon with on Tax policy issues.
