The women’s wing of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), Kano State Chapter, has organised a national women’s conference to discuss the controversial tax reform bills.
The event took place yesterday, with over 1,000 women from across the region under the theme “The Position of Northern Nigerian Women on the Controversial Tax Reform Bills”.
At the conference, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, national coordinator of the CNG, emphasized the importance of including grassroots women in decision-making processes.
Charanchi noted that women were targeted for the conference due to their critical role in elections, as they constitute a significant portion of the electorate.
However, he expressed concern about how politicians exploit this by luring women with gifts such as spaghetti, matches and soap during elections without addressing their long-term needs.
He criticized the economic hardships caused by high taxes, particularly the Value
Added Tax (VAT) rate of 7.5%, calling for its reduction to 3%.
“We are here to re-emphasize our call on the National Assembly to do the needful. Let them protect the interest of Nigerians, especially women, who make up a significant percentage of voters.
“The current economic policies are burdensome and inhumane, leaving over 90% of Nigerians suffering under critical economic hardship,” Charanchi said.
Charanchi also highlighted the rising cost of living, including food, education, and healthcare, and expressed disappointment in policymakers.
“Nigerians today are buying a bag of rice at over N100,000, paying skyrocketing electricity tariffs, and struggling with exorbitant transportation costs. These harsh policies are unacceptable,” he added.
Special Adviser to the Kano State Governor on Enlightenment and Social Mobilization, Hajia Fatima Abubakar Abdullahi, stressed that the conference was not just about fiscal policies but about amplifying the voices of Northern women in legislative decisions.
“This gathering is about highlighting the unique challenges facing Northern Nigerian women. Economic inequality remains a significant obstacle for us, and it is crucial that our concerns are represented in discussions on national reforms,” Abdullahi said.
National director of Women Affairs for CNG, Mrs. Pamela Nanle, explained the purpose of the conference, emphasizing grassroots sensitization.
“The aim of this conference is to carry women along and make their voices heard. We are not totally against the tax reform bill, but we believe that consultations should include grassroots communities.
“Many of these women were unaware of the bill before now, but we have succeeded in enlightening them,” Nanle stated.
She expressed hope that the women would provide valuable feedback to shape a more inclusive reform.
“I believe their contributions will strengthen our advocacy as we tender our report to policymakers,” she added.
Former general secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Salih Sunuhu Muhammad, praised the resilience of women in advocating for reforms.
“Women are not fragile; they are strong and committed. Their mobilization is crucial in ensuring that the tax reform benefits all Nigerians and does not burden the majority,” Muhammad said.
The CNG Women’s Wing pledged to continue its efforts to ensure that grassroots voices are included in national conversations, particularly regarding tax policies.
The conference ended with a call to action for legislators to prioritize the welfare of Nigerians and address the economic challenges facing the country.
