The Kogi State Government has stated that the proposed tax reform bills are designed to streamline tax administration, ease the burden on low-income earners, and stimulate economic growth.
The Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS), Sule Salihu Enehe, made this known in Lokoja during a one-day citizens’ engagement and interactive session organised by the Ministry of Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning.
He explained that the aim of the tax reform bills is to harmonise all 55 tax laws into a single document for simplicity.
According to him, the proposed Nigeria Tax Bill is intended to simplify tax laws by consolidating the existing 21 tax laws into a straightforward document, noting that when passed into law, the bills will eradicate the issue of multiple taxation often raised by citizens. He further clarified that under the Tax and Levy Approved Means of Collection Act, nine taxes are to be collected by the federal government, 25 by the state government, and 21 by local governments, making a total of 55 taxes.
“The proposed bills are to ensure that, in the end, we don’t tax poverty but tax prosperity. If the bill sails through, citizens in the civil service will no longer pay tax on their income, and all common misconceptions about taxes will be addressed in the bills,” he explained.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning, Asiwaju Idris Asiru, emphasised that the initiative was designed to foster collaboration between the government and citizens, ensuring their voices are heard during the formulation of the bills.
The commissioner stated that the purpose of the stakeholders’ engagement is to provide a platform for citizens to engage with policymakers, understand the importance of the proposed tax reforms, and explore how they can benefit the state and its people.
He further assured that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance under Governor Usman Ododo’s administration.
“Tax reform plays a crucial role in ensuring fair taxation, enhancing revenue generation, and promoting economic growth in our state. Tax reforms are not just about numbers; they impact the services we deliver and the future of our economy.
“I am using this medium to encourage citizens to participate in the ongoing consultation process, offering feedback and suggestions to ensure the final bills align with the needs and aspirations of Kogi State’s residents,” the commissioner said.
In his contribution, the Chairperson of the Kogi State NGO Network (KONGONET), Ambassador Idris Ozovehe Muraina, described the Tax Reform Bills as a welcome development but urged the federal government to deploy technology, noting that human elements in the country cannot be fully trusted.
Also, in his remarks, the National Deputy Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Duro Meseko, expressed the party’s full support for President Bola Tinubu and his economic policies, emphasising that the tax reforms, if implemented, would benefit Nigeria’s citizens.
