From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms has commended the Kogi State Government for making significant progress in tax reform through the domestication of the Harmonised Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Law. The move aligns Kogi with Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to modernise tax administration and improve revenue governance.The commendation was disclosed in a Facebook post by the chairman of the committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, while referencing a recent report by the Joint Revenue Board (JRB). The post highlighted Kogi State’s compliance following the passage of similar legislation by Bayelsa State, which the JRB described as a milestone in national tax reform.
According to the Joint Revenue Board, Kogi State is among the early adopters of the harmonised tax framework in Nigeria. Other states listed include Anambra, Ekiti, Gombe, Nasarawa, Plateau, and Zamfara, underscoring Kogi’s leadership role in implementing tax reforms at the sub-national level.The Board explained that the harmonised tax laws are designed to eliminate multiple taxation by consolidating numerous existing taxes and levies into a single, clearly approved list. The framework also outlaws illegal roadblocks and arbitrary tax collections that have long hindered ease of doing business in many parts of the country.
In addition, the Joint Revenue Board noted that the reform promotes transparency by reducing cash handling, expanding the use of technology, and strengthening safeguards against revenue leakages. These measures, it said, are critical to building a more efficient and accountable tax system nationwide.The Board further acknowledged the collaborative efforts of state governments and their internal revenue services, including Kogi State, in driving reforms consistent with the national tax reform agenda. The initiative is being championed by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to boost revenue generation and investor confidence.“ This law aligns the state’s tax administration with national standards, enhances taxpayer confidence, improves compliance, and creates a more investor-friendly business environment,” the Joint Revenue Board stated in its report.
Reacting to the development, the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Hon. Ismaila Isah, said the new tax law would strengthen Kogi State’s revenue mobilisation efforts. He added that it would also significantly reduce challenges associated with multiple taxation and illegal levies across the state.
Hon. Isah noted that the collaboration between the Joint Revenue Board and the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service demonstrates the state’s commitment to transparency and efficiency in tax governance. According to him, the reforms are designed to support sustainable economic growth and improve the overall business climate in Kogi State. It will be recalled that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo recently signed into law the Kogi State Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Law, 2025. The legislation formally aligns the state with the national harmonised tax framework promoted by the Presidential Tax Committee and the Joint Revenue Board.
