The Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms has officially commended the Kogi State Government for its swift adoption and domestication of the Harmonised Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Law. This move distinguishes Kogi as a frontrunner in the national effort to modernize tax administration and eliminate the burden of multiple taxation on citizens and businesses.
The commendation was highlighted by the Chairman of the Presidential Committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, following a report by the Joint Revenue Board (JRB). The report identifies Kogi State as one of the “early adopters” of the new national tax framework, alongside states such as Anambra, Ekiti, Gombe, Nasarawa, Plateau, and Zamfara.
A Milestone in Modernization The Joint Revenue Board described the domestication of the harmonised law as a major milestone. The framework is designed to:
Eliminate Multiple Taxation: Streamlining numerous pre-existing taxes into a clear, approved list.
Abolish Illegal Collections: Outlawing unauthorized roadblocks and arbitrary tax collection practices.
Enhance Transparency: Promoting digital payment systems to reduce cash handling and plug revenue leakages.
Boost Investor Confidence: Aligning state tax administration with national standards to create a more predictable and business-friendly environment.
Commitment to Economic Growth Reacting to the development, the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah, stated that the new legislation underscores Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s commitment to transparent and efficient governance.
“The signing of the Kogi State Taxes and Levies Law, 2025, is a strategic step toward strengthening our revenue mobilization while protecting our people from the challenges of illegal levies and fragmented tax systems,” Isah said. “This collaboration between the JRB and the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) is fundamentally about supporting sustainable economic growth for all Kogites.”
Impact on Citizens The reform specifically addresses the needs of low-income earners. Under the new laws, individuals earning below ₦800,000 annually are exempted from tax, providing significant relief to the state’s most vulnerable populations. By simplifying compliance and lowering costs for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the state expects to see increased investment and job creation.
The Presidential Committee remains committed to supporting states that demonstrate such proactive leadership in aligning with the Tinubu administration’s national fiscal policy objectives.
