CITAB calls for reinvestment of Tax revenue to empower persons with disabilities

By Oguadimma Chisom

The Center for Infrastructural and Technological Advancement for the Blind (CITAB) has called on the Federal Government to directly reinvest a portion of revenue from Nigeria’s newly enacted tax laws into the empowerment of persons with disabilities across the country.

The appeal was made by CITAB’s Executive Chairman, Comrade Jolomi George Fenemigho, in an official statement responding to the new tax reforms, which took effect on January 1, 2026.

While commending the Federal Government for reforms aimed at improving revenue collection and easing the tax burden on low-income earners, Fenemigho stressed that true social justice would only be achieved if disability inclusion is made a clear priority. He urged the government to ensure that tax revenues are deliberately allocated to support Nigerians living with visual, hearing, mobility, cognitive, and psychosocial disabilities.

“Taxation is not solely about collecting resources, but about distributing them to uplift every citizen,” Fenemigho said. “A portion of these funds must meaningfully support persons with disabilities—through subsidized assistive devices, accessible infrastructure, and inclusive education and employment opportunities.”

He noted that many Nigerians with disabilities still struggle to access essential tools such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, screen readers, communication devices, and accessible public transportation due to high costs or limited availability. According to CITAB, targeted investment of tax revenues into government-backed subsidies and programs could significantly reduce these barriers and promote independence and participation.

As part of its recommendations for the 2026 tax framework, CITAB called for the establishment of a dedicated fund to subsidize assistive technologies, full exemption of VAT and customs duties on disability-related imports, strict accessibility compliance across public services and digital platforms, and tax incentives for companies that employ and support persons with disabilities.

Fenemigho welcomed the exemption of Nigerians earning ₦800,000 or less from personal income tax but emphasized the additional financial burden faced by persons with disabilities.

“Millions of Nigerians live daily with the extraordinary cost of disability,” he said. “By reinvesting tax revenues into inclusive support, the government is not only promoting fairness but unlocking the full potential of every Nigerian. We are ready to contribute meaningfully when we are given equitable access to the right resources.”

CITAB reaffirmed its commitment to working with the government and stakeholders to ensure that disability inclusion remains central to national development policies.