High Tax Claims in Enugu a ‘Pathetic Misconception’ — Gov Mbah
— Says taxes set by National Assembly
— Vows crackdown on illegal revenue collectors
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has dismissed claims that residents of the state are subjected to excessive taxation, describing the allegation as a “pathetic misconception” being propagated by opposition elements and beneficiaries of the old revenue collection system.
Speaking during an interview on Afia Television on Wednesday evening, the governor said the narrative was being pushed by individuals who previously manipulated the revenue system for personal gain.
Mbah explained that his administration had significantly increased the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) by expanding the tax net, blocking leakages and introducing reforms such as the Consolidated Demand Notice, e-ticketing system, and the recovery and monetisation of dormant state assets.
According to him, the Enugu State government does not possess the constitutional powers to raise or reduce taxes, noting that such authority rests solely with the National Assembly of Nigeria under the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
“First, as a state, we are not able to legislate on taxation. It is in the Exclusive Legislative List, which means it can only be legislated on by the National Assembly,” he said.
He added that taxes such as Personal Income Tax, Company Income Tax, Value Added Tax (VAT), and Withholding Tax are determined at the federal level and cannot be altered by state governments.
The governor also highlighted the growth in the state’s revenue profile, noting that IGR increased from N26.8 billion in 2022 to N37.4 billion in 2023, rising sharply to N180.5 billion in 2024 and N406.7 billion in 2025.
Mbah said critics had failed to recognise that the growth was largely driven by non-tax sources.
“For instance, in 2025, tax revenue accounted for only N51.5 billion, representing 12.6 per cent of the total N406.7 billion IGR, while non-tax revenue contributed N355.2 billion, or 87.4 per cent,” he explained.
On charges and levies within the state’s jurisdiction, the governor stated that his administration had taken steps to reduce the cost of certain government services.
He disclosed that a committee comprising market leaders, organised labour representatives and members of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture was set up to review rates across South-East states.
According to him, the review showed that Enugu State already had the lowest charges in the region. Nevertheless, the government further reduced some fees by up to 70 per cent, particularly in the land sector.
The governor, however, acknowledged that illegal revenue collectors still operate in some parts of the state.
He said the recently enacted Enugu State Harmonised Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Law, 2026 was designed to eliminate roadblocks and unauthorised collections that have burdened residents.
Mbah added that the government had established a standing task force to track and prosecute offenders while encouraging residents to report extortionists through newly introduced toll-free lines.
“Under our laws, we have consolidated these services so citizens make a single payment for government services. Anyone collecting money outside that system is acting illegally and will be arrested and prosecuted,” he stated.
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
