The Enugu State House of Assembly (ENHA) on Thursday passed the State Harmonised Taxes and Levies Bill, a landmark legislation designed to streamline the collection of taxes and eliminate multiple levies across the state.
Leading the debate ahead of the bill’s passage, the Majority Leader of the House, Mr. Iloabuchi Aniagu, said the new law would empower the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS) as the central agency responsible for tax collection in the state.
Aniagu explained that the move aligns with the current administration’s commitment to transforming Enugu State and improving governance through an efficient revenue system.
According to him, sustainable development in any society depends largely on an effective taxation framework, noting that the legislation will strengthen revenue generation while ensuring order in tax administration.
He further revealed that the bill would address the persistent problem of illegal roadblocks mounted by touts for tax collection, a practice widely criticised by residents and businesses in the state.
Another lawmaker, Mr. Malachy Onyechi, stated that the legislation would also tackle tax evasion, stressing that many individuals who avoid paying taxes still expect the government to provide essential infrastructure and services.
Onyechi added that the new law would boost investor confidence by creating a transparent and predictable tax environment, assuring investors that their businesses and investments would be protected.
In her contribution, Ms. Obiajulu Ugwu said the passage of the bill demonstrates the state government’s responsiveness to public complaints regarding multiple taxation.
She noted that unregulated tax collections by different Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) had not only burdened citizens but also created opportunities for political criticism against the government.
Ugwu emphasised that the harmonised taxes law would end unnecessary extortion and ensure a more coordinated tax system across government institutions.
Speaking after the bill was passed, the Speaker of the House, Chief Uche Ugwu, said the Eighth Assembly remains committed to sanitising the state’s tax administration system.
Ugwu stressed that the lawmakers would not allow individuals to exploit citizens through illegal tax practices or impose hardship under the guise of revenue collection.
He added that the legislation is not targeted at any individual or group but is aimed at restoring order and transparency in the collection of taxes and levies in Enugu State.
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