ICYMI: Enugu Assembly passes law to harmonize Taxes, bans illegal levies, roadblocks

The Enugu State House of Assembly has passed a landmark law aimed at harmonizing taxes and levies across the state.

The move is intended to eliminate illegal roadblocks and unauthorized collections that have long burdened residents.

The bill, titled “Enugu State Harmonised Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Law 2026,” underwent thorough deliberations and due legislative process, including review by a committee of the whole House, before it was eventually passed into law.

Members of the Assembly emphasized that the legislation would curb multiple taxation, promote transparency, and ensure proper verification of taxes through the Enugu State Board of Internal Revenue.

Hon. Iloabuchi Aniagu, representing Nkanu West State Constituency, highlighted the persistent menace of illegal roadblocks, particularly along federal roads, and urged residents to verify taxes directly with the Board of Internal Revenue to avoid undue payments.

“With this bill, we will put a stop to these roadblocks so that every collection of any state tax will be straight,” Aniagu said, stressing the importance of proper public awareness.

Hon. Malachy Onyechi of Nsukka West praised the law for fostering transparency and good governance, noting that harmonized taxes would strengthen government revenue and fund infrastructural development. He emphasized that educating citizens on tax structures was key to ensuring compliance and understanding of government operations.

Hon. Okey Mbah, who represents Nkanu East State Constituency stressed that the law would boost investor confidence by providing a predictable and stable tax environment.

He called for a robust public sensitization to prevent misinformation, adding that when signed into law by Governor Peter Mbah, the law would help to checkmate the activities of fake tax agents, go about exerting illegal levies and authorized taxes on the people of the state.

However, some concerns were raised about enforcement and penalties for illegal levies. Hon. Raymond Ugwu suggested that proposed penalties may be too lenient and recommended the creation of a regulatory board to oversee enforcement and determine appropriate punishments.

Overall, the law marks a significant step toward a more transparent, efficient, and investor-friendly taxation system in Enugu State, protecting residents from arbitrary levies while enhancing fiscal discipline and good governance.