Women’s Group Urges Government To Suspend Tax Law

Renowned women’s Rights group Women Africa International has called on the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the New Tax Law, to ensure Tax Justice and plan a better progressive process, that would avoid plunging the country into economic crisis, especially among rural women.

The group made this known in a statement signed by the Founder Rev. Dr. Ijeoma Emeribe, and made available to journalists in Abuja, where they insisted that the implementation of the Tax Law would further impoverish Nigerian women especially those at the hinterland and may increase crime and criminality.

The group argued that “If the state cannot guarantee dignified living wages, it has no moral ground to expand taxation, because the minimum wage of Nigerian cannot buy just a bag of rice for Christmas celebration, let alone talking about high house rents, children school fees, health care, among other daily needs of an average family.

” Nigeria is still the poverty capital of the world and we cannot implement a law that would further impoverish Nigerians, and It is on that premise that we call on the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend the implementation of the Tax Law, until the basic social protection structures are put in place to cushion the effect of the tax law.

The group added that, “The average Nigerian Worker, has at least 5 dependents who benefits from their income and they carry this responsibility with all sense of commitment, despite the meager salary they earn and further stretching this meager income through taxation would affect that commitment to their family responsibilities.

“An ethical economy is one where economic policies are shaped by justice, compassion, and responsibility, ensuring that prosperity does not come at the expense of human dignity. According to former World Bank Vice President, Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili “An economy that grows while people starve is not successful—it is unethical.” Most Nigerians are vulnerable and they do not react to adverse policies of government and that is why we will continue to be the voice of the Nigerians, especially the rural women.

“When we speak against unfair tax reforms, we are not rejecting governance—we are calling for: Wage dignity, Social protection, Gender justice, Moral accountability. Without ethics: Taxation becomes exploitation, Reform becomes punishment, Growth benefits the few. While on the other hand an ethical economy: Reduces poverty Builds trust in government, Creates sustainable development.” The statement noted.