By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has officially domesticated Nigeria’s new Tax Reform Acts, effective January 1, 2026, following the signing of two key revenue bills by Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.The bills—Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (Establishment) Law, 2025 and Kogi State Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Law, 2025—are designed to harmonize the state’s tax system with the Federal Government’s reforms, enhance transparency, and boost economic growth.Speaking on the development, Governor Ododo highlighted that the laws aim to simplify tax administration, attract investment, and ensure a more efficient revenue collection process.“The domestication of these laws will strengthen our revenue base, improve compliance, and support economic development across Kogi State,” the governor said.
Key benefits of the new tax reforms include exemptions for low-income earners earning below N800,000 annually, encouraging wider participation in the formal economy without increasing tax burdens.The reforms also promise to attract investment by reducing compliance costs and simplifying tax processes for businesses operating within the state. Additionally, the digitalization of tax administration is expected to limit human interference, promote accountability, and improve efficiency.
Governor Ododo emphasized that the primary goal of these laws is to support structural adjustments, harmonize tax administration across government levels, and safeguard taxpayers’ dignity, rather than increase tax obligations.The move aligns Kogi State with Nigeria’s broader tax reform agenda, which seeks to enhance revenue mobilization while ensuring fairness and transparency.
Officials say that the implementation of these laws will pave the way for a modern, technology-driven tax system capable of meeting the state’s development needs. By adopting the reforms early, Kogi State positions itself to maximize the economic benefits of the Federal Government’s tax policies while strengthening its fiscal autonomy.
