BY GRACE SIMEON / ABAKALIKI
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Federal Government has extended its sensitization exercise on the benefits of Tax Reform Act to Southeast women with a view to boosting the nation’s economy.
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The unveiling of the tax reforms package held in Enugu International Conference Centre on Friday, was organised by the Office of Senior Special Assistants to the President on Community Engagement, Southeast region, Barrister Chioma Nweze.
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Nweze said that the tax reforms was aimed at simplifying compliance, reducing the burden on small businesses and low-income earners including strengthening Nigeria’s revenue system stressing, “It is the will of President Tinubu to make taxation fairer and more beneficial to ordinary Nigerians.”
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“Our women, especially market women, must understand why government collects tax, what government does with it, and how they should pay without exploitation.
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“The president has removed fuel subsidy, unified the exchange rate, and increased allocations to states. These reforms will ensure more projects are delivered to benefit citizens,” she said.
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Nweze emphasized that sensitizing women was deliberate, recalling that historical revolts such as the Aba Women’s Riot of 1929 were caused by unfair taxation.
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“When women are informed, they carry the message to their families and communities. We don’t want exploitative practices to return; instead, women should be empowered to benefit from government initiatives,” she said.
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Barrister Chukwumeka Eze, Chairman of the Tax Appeal Tribunal, Southeast Zone, explained that four new tax acts signed into law on June 26, 2025, now consolidate more than 20 scattered tax laws.
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He noted that businesses with an annual turnover below N50 million are exempted from Companies Income Tax and Value Added Tax, while minimum wage earners will no longer pay personal income tax.
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“This is progressive taxation. The rich will now pay more within their means, while the poor will be protected. The days when wealthy individuals paid little tax are gone,” Eze stressed.
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He added that the reforms also introduced a Tax Dispute Resolution Mechanism that allows citizens to lodge complaints free of charge, with resolutions provided within 7–14 days.
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Tax professional and Chartered Accountant, Mr. Innocent Chinyere Ohagwa, said the reforms were necessary to strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal base, describing SMEs as the “lifeblood” of the economy.
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“SMEs account for more than 90% of businesses and nearly 60% of jobs in Nigeria. By removing multiple taxation and unfair levies, government is giving them space to grow, create wealth, and support economic diversification,” he said.
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Dr. Zino Ugboma, representing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), highlighted how tax revenues are being used to expand access to education.
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He explained that undergraduates in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education can now access tuition and living-cost loans, repayable only after gaining employment, two years post-NYSC.
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“This is a direct way of showing that taxation is not just about collection, but also about giving back to the people,” Ugboma said.
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The forum, which drew officials of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), women leaders, professionals, and community stakeholders, ended with a call for stronger collaboration to ensure the success of the reforms.
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Participants including Mrs. Nnenna Otuonye commended President Tinubu for pushing a fairer system, urging Southeast residents to embrace compliance for economic growth.
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She further assured President Tinubu that market women will give him maximum support in 2027 general election.
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