Kogi State has been singled out for commendation by the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms for taking early and decisive steps to align its tax system with Nigeria’s national reform agenda.
The commendation followed the domestication of the Harmonised Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Law by the Kogi State Government, a move described by federal tax authorities as a major stride toward modern, transparent and investor-friendly tax administration.
In a Facebook post referencing a recent report by the Joint Revenue Board (JRB), the Chairman of the Presidential Tax Committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, highlighted the growing adoption of the harmonised framework by states as a critical milestone in the country’s tax reform journey. The report, released after Bayelsa State passed the law, identified Kogi as one of the frontline states already implementing the reforms.
According to the Joint Revenue Board, Kogi joins Anambra, Ekiti, Gombe, Nasarawa, Plateau and Zamfara States as early adopters of the harmonised tax regime, reinforcing its position as a pacesetter in tax governance at the sub-national level.
The Board explained that the harmonised framework is designed to end the era of multiple taxation by collapsing numerous overlapping taxes into a clearly defined and legally approved list. It also criminalises illegal roadblocks and arbitrary levies that have long discouraged businesses and disrupted economic activities.
Beyond simplification, the JRB noted that the reforms promote greater transparency and accountability through reduced cash handling, expanded use of technology and stronger safeguards against revenue leakages, all aimed at boosting public confidence in the tax system.
The Board further praised the cooperation between state governments and their internal revenue services, including Kogi State, noting that such collaboration is essential to the success of the national tax reform initiative championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
According to the JRB, aligning state tax laws with national standards enhances compliance, strengthens taxpayer trust and helps create a more predictable and attractive business environment.
Reacting to the recognition, Hon. Ismaila Isah, Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, said the new law would not only improve revenue mobilisation but also ease the burden on businesses and citizens by eliminating illegal levies and conflicting tax demands.
He added that the partnership between the Joint Revenue Board and the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service underscores the state government’s commitment to a transparent, efficient and growth-driven tax system.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo recently signed into law the Kogi State Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Law, 2025, formally placing the state in line with the national harmonised tax framework being driven by the Presidential Tax Committee and the Joint Revenue Board.