‘21 states adopt new tax laws’

The Joint Revenue Board (JRB) has said 21 states have adopted the new tax harmonisation laws, adding that it is working with the police to end tax collection through roadblocks in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and states.

Daily Trust reports that the tax laws signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are part of broader reforms aimed at streamlining taxes and reducing leakages.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of JRB, Olusegun Adesokan, said 21 states had so far adopted the harmonised tax laws.

They are Kebbi, Niger, Kaduna, Plateau, Zamfara, Benue, Ekiti, Kogi, Enugu, Kwara, Abia and Nasarawa.

Others are Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Gombe, Bayelsa, Adamawa, Delta, Yobe, Ondo and Borno.

He also said the federal government had harmonised taxes and levies from 100 to nine.

“We have harmonised tax and levy heads, replacing 100 fragmented taxes and levies at the sub-national level.

“The new taxes are now income tax, stamp duty, property tax, road tax, haulage levy, economic development levy, harmonised levy, user charge and daily ticket,” he said.

Adesokan said roadblock tax collection would become a thing of the past, as enforcement by security agencies would commence soon.

“We know the idea of tax and cash collection on our roads has been ongoing, including harassing motorists. It is very wrong.

“There will be zero tolerance for mounting of roadblocks and cash collection. This is supported by the Harmonised Taxes and Levies Law and the Presumptive Tax Regulations, 2026.

“This means motorists will no longer be subjected to the purchase of irrelevant documents before transporting goods from one part of the country to another, thereby reducing the cost of farm produce.

“Collaboration is ongoing with the Nigerian Police Force and enforcement will commence soon,” he added.

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