An Enugu-based legal expert, Mr. Peter Aja, has praised Governor Peter Mbah’s taxation reforms, saying the measures have eliminated illegal multiple taxation, improved transparency and restored accountability in revenue collection across Enugu State.
An Enugu-based legal expert, Mr. Peter Aja, has commended the taxation reforms introduced by the administration of Governor Peter Mbah, describing them as a major step toward eliminating multiple and illegal taxation in Enugu State.
Speaking with journalists in Enugu on Tuesday, Aja said the reforms had restored transparency, accountability and order in the state’s revenue collection system.
According to him, before the current administration assumed office, revenue collection in many parts of the state had deteriorated into what he described as “organised exploitation,” allegedly carried out by unauthorised individuals and groups operating illegal collection points in markets, highways and motor parks.
He alleged that commercial bus operators, motorists, traders, hawkers and barrow pushers were routinely subjected to arbitrary levies and extortion by illegal revenue agents operating without lawful authority.
Aja stated that the emergence of Governor Peter Mbah marked a significant departure from the previous system, with the administration adopting policies aimed at ensuring that taxation remained lawful, transparent and economically beneficial.
He identified the abolition of arbitrary levies, including multiple tolls imposed on agricultural produce along highways, as one of the key achievements of the reforms.
“Farmers, who previously faced harassment from illegal revenue collectors can now transport their goods freely, leading to reduced food costs, improved rural productivity and renewed confidence in agriculture,” he said.
The legal expert further noted that the state government had harmonised taxes and levies, dismantled unauthorised collection points and criminalised illegal revenue activities across Enugu State.
“No longer can individuals or groups arrogate to themselves the power of the state,” Aja stated.
He added that the administration had also introduced a centralised and transparent revenue collection system where payments are made through recognised channels directly into government accounts.
According to him, the reforms have made revenue collection more structured, traceable and accountable, while also enabling taxpayers to seek clarification on how public funds are utilised.
Aja stated that petty traders, hawkers and low-income earners, who were previously among the worst affected by arbitrary collections, are now protected under the new framework through lawful and minimal levies where applicable.
He also highlighted the establishment of complaint and redress mechanisms that allow residents to report illegal collections and challenge questionable tax assessments.
The legal expert alleged that many of those criticising the reforms were beneficiaries of the previous chaotic system who had lost illegal sources of income as a result of the new measures.
“What they label as over-taxation is, in truth, the loss of illegal privilege,” he said.
Aja maintained that the impact of the reforms was already evident across the state through improved infrastructure, enhanced urban order, increased investor confidence and a better business environment.
He urged residents to distinguish between constructive political criticism and misinformation, insisting that the current administration had replaced opacity and extortion with legality and transparency.
“As one who has witnessed both eras, I submit without hesitation that these reforms are not only justified, they are indispensable to the future of Enugu State,” he added.
The legal expert concluded that Enugu State was not experiencing excessive taxation, but rather a more organised and accountable system of governance.
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