Enugu Assembly Passes Law to Harmonise Taxes, Abolish Illegal Roadblocks
The Enugu State House of Assembly has passed a landmark bill aimed at harmonising taxes and levies across the state in a bid to eliminate illegal roadblocks and unauthorised tax collections that have long burdened residents.
The bill, titled “Enugu State Harmonised Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Law, 2026,” was passed after extensive deliberations and legislative procedures, including review by the Committee of the Whole.
Lawmakers said the legislation is designed to curb multiple taxation, promote transparency in revenue collection and ensure that all tax payments are properly verified through the Enugu State Board of Internal Revenue.
Speaking during deliberations, Hon. Iloabuchi Aniagu, representing Nkanu West State Constituency, decried the persistent menace of illegal roadblocks, particularly along federal highways. He urged residents to verify tax demands directly with the Board of Internal Revenue to avoid paying unauthorised levies.
According to him, the new law will ensure that all tax collections are properly regulated.
“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 need for proper public awareness of the new tax regime.
Also speaking, Hon. Malachy Onyechi, representing Nsukka West State Constituency, commended the initiative, noting that the harmonisation of taxes would enhance transparency and promote good governance.
He added that a streamlined tax system would strengthen government revenue and support infrastructural development, stressing that public education on tax structures would encourage compliance and help citizens better understand government operations.
Similarly, Hon. Okey Mbah, representing Nkanu East State Constituency, said the law would improve investor confidence by creating a predictable and stable tax environment.
He called for comprehensive public sensitisation to prevent misinformation, adding that once signed into law by Governor Peter Mbah, the legislation would help curb the activities of fake tax agents who impose illegal levies on residents.
However, concerns were raised over the enforcement framework and penalties for offenders. Hon. Raymond Ugwu suggested that the proposed sanctions may be too lenient and recommended the establishment of a regulatory board to oversee enforcement and determine appropriate penalties.
The new law is widely seen as a significant step toward building a more transparent, efficient and investor-friendly tax system in Enugu State, while protecting residents from arbitrary levies and strengthening fiscal discipline.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
