INFLUENCING GOVERNMENT POLICIES & PRACTICES
Poverty can resurge and persist when the enabling environment does not exist and government policies are not eļ¬ectively implemented. When poverty thrives, grievance and conļ¬ict are certain. This understanding shapes our strategies. Hence, we utilize advocacy as one of our four key enablers to promote sustained economic and peaceful coexistence in the region. We partner with various stakeholder groups to positively inļ¬uence development policies, strategies, plans, and practices; provide institutional capacity-building support to government agencies and oļ¬cials; and inļ¬uence public expenditure for the development of critical sectors.
REDUCED TAXATION ON ENTERPRISES
One of the major challenges faced by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Niger Delta is multiple taxations and illegal levies. In 2021, we carried out an extensive study across three states: Abia, Delta, and Rivers to learn more about the issues, and found that enterprises had to pay multiple taxes and levies to local, state, and federal authorities. Also, private collection companies contracted by the local governments further exploit these MSMEs. To garner public opinion on the matter and assure inclusivity, we further conducted a survey and organized interactive discussions on popular radio stations in the target states. We found that individuals and businesses want the harmonization of taxes, and a switch to electronic payments to better administer the collection of taxes, and reduce the corrupt practices involved in tax collection. We plan to advance targeted advocacy on this issue with the State governments and agencies that are responsible for tax administration and collection. 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
