FIC Report (Enugu State) – 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.
The unveiling of the tax reforms package held in Enugu International Conference Centre was organised by the Office of Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, Southeast region, Barrister Chioma Nweze.
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.”
“Our women, especially market women, must understand why government collects tax, what government does with it, and how they should pay without exploitation.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dr. Zino Ugboma, representing the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), highlighted how tax revenues are being used to expand access to education.
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.
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.
Participants including Mrs. Nnenna Otuonye commended President Tinubu for pushing a fairer system, urging Southeast residents to embrace compliance for economic growth.
Signed
Bonaventure Ngwu,
HOC, FIC Enugu
(20-08-2025).
