NEW TAX LAWS OUTLAW REVENUE ROADBLOCKS, ADESOKAN SAYS

The Executive Secretary of the Joint Revenue Board, Olusegun Adesokan, has said state and local government agents should not mount roadblocks to collect revenue under Nigeria’s new tax laws.

Speaking in Abuja, Adesokan said the reforms were designed to reduce multiple taxation, curb unauthorised charges and make tax administration more consistent across the country.

He disclosed that the board was working with the police to address illegal roadside collections and the harassment of motorists and transporters.

According to him, such payments increase the cost of moving goods, with businesses passing the additional expense on to consumers through higher prices.

Adesokan acknowledged that the problem remained widespread despite the reforms.

“We know the problem exists, and we are working to fix it,” he said.

He said 21 states had passed the relevant legislation, while others were at different stages of consultations and legislative approval.

The states listed were Kebbi, Kaduna, Zamfara, Ekiti, Enugu, Abia, Anambra, Gombe, Adamawa, Yobe, Borno, Niger, Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Ondo.

Adesokan also urged tax authorities to respect applicable exemptions for small businesses and avoid imposing charges that undermine their growth.

He identified traders and artisans among those who could benefit from relevant exemptions, stressing that tax collection should reflect taxpayers’ capacity to pay.

The board, he added, had issued guidelines to promote consistent personal income tax administration and harmonised practices across states.