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, as part of Nigeria’s ongoing tax reform agenda.
The commendation was contained in a Facebook post by the Chairman of the Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, referencing a report by the Joint Revenue Board (JRB) following the passage of the Harmonised Taxes and Levies Law by Bayelsa State. The JRB described the development as a major milestone in the modernisation of tax administration across the country.
According to the report, Kogi State was listed among the early adopters of the harmonised tax framework in Nigeria, alongside Anambra, Ekiti, Gombe, Nasarawa, Plateau, and Zamfara States. This recognition reinforces Kogi’s leadership role in the implementation of tax reforms nationwide.
The Joint Revenue Board explained that harmonised tax laws are designed to eliminate multiple taxation by streamlining numerous pre-existing taxes into a clear and approved list, while also outlawing illegal roadblocks and arbitrary tax collections across the country.
The Board further noted that the framework promotes transparency through reduced cash handling, increased use of technology, and stronger safeguards against revenue leakages.
It also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of state governments and their internal revenue services, including Kogi State, in advancing reforms aligned with the national tax reform initiative championed by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“This law aligns the state’s tax administration with national standards, enhancing taxpayer confidence, improving compliance, and creating a more investor-friendly business environment”, the board noted.
Reacting to the development, the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Hon. Ismaila Isah, confirmed that the new tax law would strengthen the state’s revenue mobilisation efforts while reducing challenges associated with multiple taxation and illegal levies.
Hon. Isah further stated that the collaboration between the Joint Revenue Board and the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service in adhering to the harmonised tax framework underscores the state’s commitment to transparent and efficient tax governance that supports economic growth.
Recall that Governor Ahmed 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 championed by the Presidential Tax Committee and the Joint Revenue Board.
