Over the past year, the Akwa Ibom State Tax Justice and Governance Platform with the support of Oxfam Nigeria has made significant strides in tax justice advocacy, budget monitoring, and community-led governance reforms. Through research, training, and engagement with government stakeholders, the platform has contributed to a more transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance process in Akwa Ibom State.
Some of the key achievements include:
Reduction in Violent Tax Collection and Improved Tax-to-Service Relationship
One of the platform’s notable successes has been the significant reduction in violent tax collection practices in Akwa Ibom State’s informal sector. Through targeted advocacy and engagement with key stakeholders, market leaders have now been empowered to mediate tax collection, replacing previous confrontational methods with a structured approach. This shift has fostered trust between traders and tax authorities, reducing resistance to tax payments and improving compliance. Additionally, the alignment between collected taxes and public services has improved, enhancing transparency and accountability in revenue administration.
Government Commitment to Developing a Monitoring Framework for Project Implementation
The platform, alongside other Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), has successfully advocated for enhanced project oversight in Akwa Ibom State. In response, the state government has initiated the development of the Akwa Ibom State Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for public projects. This framework, currently in progress, incorporates input from the Tax Justice and Governance Platform and other CSOs to ensure transparency and responsiveness to community needs. Once completed, it will facilitate systematic project tracking, measure outcomes, and address implementation challenges, fostering public trust in government resource management.
Construction and Commissioning of New Health Facilities
A major milestone achieved through advocacy for citizen participation in budgeting is the successful construction and commissioning of a new health facility in Oboyo Ikot Ita, Nsit Ubium LGA. Trained Community Champions nominated the project for inclusion in the state budget, leading to its approval and execution. This facility is now operational, addressing critical healthcare gaps and improving access to medical services in the community.
Inclusion of Citizen-Nominated Projects in the 2025 Budget
As a direct outcome of the platform’s advocacy, several citizen-nominated projects have been incorporated into the Akwa Ibom State 2025 budget. For instance, the abandoned water project in Okuwong Community, Oron LGA, has been revisited, with the Akwa Ibom State Water Company inspecting the site in preparation for resumption of work. This reflects the growing inclusion of citizen voices in governance and underscores the impact of participatory budgeting. Specifically, 14 citizens nominated projects in Education, health, water and sanitation were submitted to various MDAs and the coordinating ministry, the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
Youth Advocacy and Community Engagement for Budget Monitoring and Tracking
Trained Community Champions across Akwa Ibom State have actively engaged in budget tracking, filing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for updates on abandoned projects. This effort has prompted stakeholders to revisit previously neglected sites, reigniting government interest in addressing longstanding infrastructure deficits.
Funding for Infrastructure in Etinan LGA
Advocacy efforts by community champions facilitated the release of funds in Q3 2024 for key infrastructure projects in Etinan LGA, including the construction of 1.675 km of Ikot Obio Eka Road and the renovation and equipping of a local hospital. These successes demonstrate the effectiveness of community-driven governance and reinforce the importance of sustained citizen participation in public decision-making.
Steps to Sustainable Transformation and Empowerment Foundation (STEPS) is the Platform host of the Akwa Ibom State Tax Justice and Governance Platform, and a member of the National Tax Justice and Governance Network with Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre as the Secretariat. The National Tax Justice Network partners include Oxfam Nigeria, Christian Aid and ActionAid Nigeria.
