Presidential tax committee hails Kogi for adopting reforms

The Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms has commended the Kogi State government for domesticating the Harmonised Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Law, describing the move as a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing tax reform process.

The commendation was contained in a Facebook post by the committee’s chairman, Taiwo Oyedele, who referenced a report by the Joint Revenue Board on states that have adopted the harmonised tax framework.

According to the JRB report, Kogi State is among the early adopters of the framework, alongside Anambra, Ekiti, Gombe, Nasarawa, Plateau and Zamfara, reinforcing its leadership role in the implementation of tax reforms across the country.

The board described the domestication of the harmonised tax law as a major milestone in the modernisation of Nigeria’s tax administration system.

“The harmonised tax laws are designed to eliminate multiple taxation by streamlining numerous pre-existing taxes into a clear and approved list, while outlawing illegal roadblocks and arbitrary tax collections,” the JRB said.

It added that the framework promotes transparency through reduced cash handling, increased use of technology, and stronger safeguards against revenue leakages.

The board also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of state governments and their internal revenue services, including Kogi State, in driving reforms aligned with the national tax reform initiative championed by the administration of President Bola Tinubu

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 board noted.

Reacting to the development, the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah, said the new law would strengthen Kogi State’s revenue mobilisation efforts while addressing challenges associated with multiple taxation and illegal levies.

He said the collaboration between the Joint Revenue Board and the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service in implementing the harmonised tax framework underscored the state’s commitment to transparent and efficient tax governance that supports economic growth.

The reports that Governor Usman Ododo recently signed into law the Kogi State Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Law, 2025, aligning the state with the national harmonised tax framework promoted by the Presidential Tax Committee and the Joint Revenue Board.

Culled from punch