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Nine state governments have domesticated the new tax laws aimed at ending the era of multiple taxation and uncoordinated levies.

They are Bayelsa, Anambra, Ekiti, Gombe, Kogi, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kwara and Zamfara.

The remaining 27 are likely to follow suit soon.

Sources said the domestication of the new tax laws by the state governments will complement the efforts of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee and the Joint Revenue Board (JRB) in creating a more efficient revenue system for the country.

The committee had developed a model Tax Harmonisation Law for adoption by states and local governments to address the challenges posed by uncoordinated collections, including those by non-state actors.

Chairman of the Presidential Committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, said it was imperative for the states to enact their own tax harmonisation law to address multiple taxations at state and local government levels.

The Joint Revenue Board described the steps taken by the nine states as a key component of reforms designed to eliminate illegal tax collection and provide a clearer fiscal environment for businesses and citizens alike.

Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo signed the state’s domesticated tax bills into law on January 1.

They are the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (Establishment) Law, 2025 and Kogi State Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Law, 2025.

According to him, the move is expected to boost the state’s revenue, enhance transparency and promote economic growth.

He said the laws exempt low-income earners – individuals earning below N800,000 annually – from tax payment and will also encourage increased investment, simplify tax processes and reduce compliance costs to attract businesses.

Other benefits are “technology-driven efficiency: Digitalised tax administration will reduce human interference and promote accountability.”

“The New Tax Laws aim to support structural reset, drive harmonisation and protect dignity rather than raise tax obligations,” Governor Ododo explained.

The Bayelsa State Joint Revenue Board said on its X handle that the domestication of the tax laws represents “a significant milestone in the modernisation of revenue administration in the state”.

It said the landmark law, which is the first to be signed by a state in the South-South Geopolitical Zone, has the objectives of eliminating multiple taxation by streamlining the pre-existing collectibles of nearly sixty to just nine collectible heads.

It said the law also outlaws roadblocks for the collection of taxes, levies and charges, de-emphasises cash collection and utilises technology to ensure transparency in tax administration, while plugging revenue leakages.

The harmonised framework is also expected to improve taxpayer compliance, boost investor confidence, and support the state’s economic development.

Read Also: Students rally support for Tax Laws, shelve protest plan

It acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the state government, the legislature, and the state Internal Revenue Service in driving the reform forward, which aligns with the national tax reform initiative of the Tinubu administration, underscoring the state’s commitment to transparency and good governance.

Chairman of the Anambra Internally Generated Revenue Services (AIRS), Dr Greg Ezeilo, told The Nation that the domestication of the tax laws in the state has ended the era of paying cash into government treasury.

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On the new tax laws
Ezeilo said the AIRS under his leadership will be intentional, firm and transparent in its enforcement approach, emphasising that there will be “no mercy for tax evaders” in the state.

Ezeilo also said the agency would, in the coming weeks, organise town hall meetings to deepen engagement with tax stakeholders across the state.

The Executive Chairman of the Delta State Internal Revenue Service (DSIRS), Mr. Solomon Igharakpata, said the state government was in the process of domesticating the new tax laws.

According to Igharakpata, the new tax legislation will be transmitted to the State House of Assembly before the end of this month.

“We are already in the process. I am confident that before the end of this month, it will reach the House of Assembly,” he declared.

The other states are working on passing and gazetting their own versions of the law. Officials believe this momentum signals a shift toward a more transparent and investor-friendly framework across Nigeria.

At a recent tax reform summit held in Lagos, Mr. Oyedele said sub-national tax transformation is central to Nigeria’s economic survival.

He said the goal of the new tax law was not to introduce new or higher tax rates but to focus on “harmonisation, efficiency and taxpayer value leveraging data and collaborating within the state and nationally.”

He said harmonisation does not mean centralisation.

“It means clarity and efficiency. The people pay less and the government collects more,” he said.

Tax committee, Ombud to protect taxpayers’ rights

The PFPTRC and the Office of the Tax Ombud have resolved to work together to enhance taxpayers’ trust and compliance through transparent mediation and accountability, following a meeting in Abuja between the Tax Ombud/CEO, Dr. John Nwabueze, and PFPTRC chairman Taiwo Oyedele.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Tax Ombud/CEO, Chukwudi Achife, said in a statement that the Office of the Tax Ombud will serve as a mediation safety net for small and medium enterprises as well as multinational companies to resolve issues related to taxes, levies, charges, customs duties and allied matters.

Achife quoted Dr. Nwabueze as saying “Nigerian taxpayers can now save the cost of arbitration while still obtaining justice by resolving their tax complaints through the office.”

Oyedele said of the meeting that it was part of ongoing efforts to support the effective implementation of tax reforms.

“The Office of the Tax Ombud is an independent and impartial body established under the new tax laws to protect taxpayer rights, resolve complaints quickly and fairly, and build trust in the tax system through mediation and advocacy,” he said.

He added: “Our engagement focused on collaboration with the Tax Ombud, given his critical role in ensuring that the reforms deliver not just better tax systems but a fairer and more responsive tax administration for taxpayers.”

Dr. Nwabueze was appointed last year under the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act 2025 to provide a fair, independent channel for taxpayers to resolve disputes with revenue authorities, offering mediation for issues like unfair treatment, delays and abuse, aiming to boost transparency and trust in Nigeria’s tax system.

The four (4) Tax Reform laws comprehensively overhaul the Nigerian tax landscape to drive economic growth, increase revenue generation, improve the business environment and enhance effective tax administration across the different levels of government.

Nation

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The family of popular gospel singer Omije Ojumi has released her burial details.

The family of late gospel singer, Bunmi Akinnaanu, popularly known as Omije Ojumi, has released the schedule for her final burial rites.

The gospel singer died on January 12 after a prolonged battle with a serious leg ailment

This condition had drawn widespread concern from fans and members of the gospel music community.

Months before her death, Akinnaanu had publicly appealed for prayers and healing while struggling with the illness.

The burial arrangements were announced by fellow gospel singer, Alayo Melody, in an Instagram post, alongside a flier detailing the programme of events.

According to the schedule, the burial ceremonies will begin on Tuesday, January 20, with a service of songs at the LTV 8 Ground, Ikeja, Lagos.

This will be followed by a candlelight procession at 7 pm and a tribute and artistes’ night scheduled for 8 pm the same day.

The interment service will take place on Wednesday, January 21, and will be held strictly for family members and close associates, the family said.

Recall that Akinnaanu, who started singing at the age of 10, left a career in banking to pursue gospel music full-time.

She rose to prominence with her hit song Omije Ojumi, which resonated deeply with Nigerian Christians and became popular in churches and homes across the country

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Biblically and even in the Holy Quaran, the two holy books and from the general experience and life expectations, a prophet is usually not honored at home.

According to Igala parlance from Kogi state, an adage says , “you don’t value what you have at home, sometimes until it is lost.”

But , God forbid for Nzenwo Nyesom Wike , the Renewed Hope Agenda, RHA and the quest for re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is sacrosanct and at the front burner of his political mobilisation.

The recent “thank you tour ” to Rivers State, his home state after the 2023 general elections that saw a new political gymnastics and direction on the part of the FCT Minister , Nzenwo Nyesom Wike CON, bringing on board another new style of politicking to Nigeria political system .

Wike who delivered 90% of Rivers people’s vote to All Progressives Congress, APC to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and produced a governor for Rivers State, all members of the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate to People’s Democratic Party PDP, a style that had not only gone down history, but now history, displaying his political prowess and popularity in the recent political firmament.

The FCT Minister who up till tomorrow is a member of People’s Democratic Party PDP, the main opposition party formed part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of APC cabinet with high grade deployment to the FCT.

Deservedly, the recent tour that took him and his large political followers both in Rivers and across the country to the 23 local government areas showed he is still on ground for the 2027 general elections, hence politics remained a game of numbers and local .

The twenty three local government areas of Abua Adual, Ahoada East, Ahoada West ,Akuku -Toru, Andoni, Asari- Toru, Bonny , Degema , Eleme, Amohua, Etche, Gokana, Ikwere, Khana, Obia-Akpor, Ogba-Egbema- ndoni, Ogu-Bolo, Okrika, Omuma,Opobo- Nkoro,Oyigbo, Port Harcourt City and terminated at Tai, took the Minister over two weeks to reconnect with his people politically and otherwise .

During the tour, Wike was received indiscriminately by Traditional rulers, Opinion Moulders , Stakeholders, Community leaders, Youths, Women groups , politicians, Public spirited individuals commending him for adequate representation, making the Rivers people proud for his political sight , appointments, development among many others including Federal presence.

The FCT Minister who did not mince words in supporting of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda, and also mobilized the people of Rivers State to re-do and replay their supports for him in 2027 general elections.

The Minister also attracted alot of commendation from traditional rulers and community leaders which included his political followers, promising not to lead him down anytime any day, politically and otherwise.

Wike who also promised to continue to reciprocate the gesture of Rivers people urged them not to be distracted by political gate crashers.

While in Rivers State, he promised to continue to attract more Federal presence in infrastructural development, appointments and many others going forward.

He stated that the confidence bestowed on him is a dedication and demonstration to the one displayed by the Rivers people during the 2023 general elections, stating that they should do more and crown it up in the next year general elections.

The Minister said Tinubu has invested heavily in the economy, agriculture, youths development, employment, technology and foreign direct investment FDI, attraction of investors beneficial to many Nigerians and Nigeria among many others.

While promising to sustain the tempo of remodeling the FCT and it’s area councils, he also reiterated his commitment to the development of River State.

His tour of Rivers State has changed the belief that a prophet can still be honored at home away from the previous assertion.

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