The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) embarked on a significant stride towards fostering inclusive governance within Nigeria’s tax system by launching a Gender Desk and Women Network. This initiative underscores the FIRS’s commitment to integrating gender-responsive planning, budgeting, and data reporting across its operations. The launch event, held in Abuja, was characterized by a strong declaration from the FIRS leadership to prioritize equity and position gender equality as a strategic imperative in governance, particularly within the Nigerian tax system. This move aligns with the broader national and international agenda for gender equity and sustainable development, promising a more inclusive and equitable tax administration in Nigeria.
The FIRS Executive Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, emphasized the practical steps being taken to implement this gender-responsive approach. He directed the immediate adoption of gender-disaggregated data collection, analysis, and reporting across the FIRS TaxProMax system and all relevant departments. This data-driven approach will provide valuable insights to inform policy decisions and enhance the inclusiveness and responsiveness of tax administration. Furthermore, Adedeji mandated the integration of gender-responsive planning and budgeting within the Service’s Policy, Finance & Accounts, Planning, Research, and Statistics functions. This means that all programs, resource allocation, and impact assessments will be evaluated through a gender equality lens, ensuring that the impact of tax policies on different genders is carefully considered.
The establishment of a nationally recognized definition of women-owned and women-led businesses is another key element of the FIRS’s gender mainstreaming strategy. Adedeji called for collaboration with the Ministries of Women Affairs, Industry, Trade and Investment, and the Corporate Affairs Commission to achieve this goal. This definition will be integrated into business registration and regulatory processes, providing a clearer framework for supporting women entrepreneurs and businesses. The initiative resonates with Nigeria’s National Gender Policy, the Sustainable Development Goals, and international commitments on gender equity. It demonstrates the FIRS’s commitment to aligning its operations with national and global best practices in promoting gender equality.
The launch event garnered strong support from various stakeholders, including the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim. Sulaiman-Ibrahim commended the FIRS for its “strategic foresight” in institutionalizing gender mainstreaming and described it as a crucial step towards empowering women and contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth. She highlighted the alignment of the FIRS initiative with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which aims to empower 10 million women by 2027 to contribute to building a $1 trillion economy. The Minister stressed that gender equality is not merely a favor but a development imperative and a cornerstone of sustainable progress. She emphasized the importance of translating policy into practice and institutionalizing implementation for lasting impact.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim urged the FIRS to integrate gender-responsive budgeting into revenue policy and ensure that recruitment, retention, and promotion efforts reflect a deliberate drive for gender parity. Addressing the newly formed FIRS Women Network, she encouraged them to be torchbearers and advocates for excellence, integrity, leadership, and impact. She envisioned the Network as a powerful collective voice that can drive positive change within the FIRS and beyond. The presence of senior government officials, development partners, members of the diplomatic corps, and FIRS staff at the launch event demonstrated the broad-based support for the initiative and the recognition of its potential to transform the Nigerian tax landscape.
In conclusion, the launch of the FIRS Gender Desk and Women Network marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of gender equality within Nigeria’s tax system. The FIRS’s commitment to data-driven decision-making, gender-responsive planning and budgeting, and the development of a nationally recognized definition for women-owned businesses demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing gender disparities. This initiative not only aligns with national and international development goals but also positions the FIRS as a leader in promoting inclusive governance. The support from key stakeholders, including the Minister of Women Affairs, further reinforces the importance of this endeavor and its potential to empower women, drive economic growth, and create a more equitable tax system for all Nigerians. The FIRS’s proactive approach to gender mainstreaming is expected to have a positive ripple effect across various sectors, setting a precedent for other organizations to embrace inclusive practices and contribute to a more equitable and prosperous Nigeria.
