The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has raised concerns over alleged multiple taxation across the state, warning that the practice is increasing the financial burden on businesses and residents.
The Speaker of the House, Dr Danladi Jatau, raised the issue on Wednesday in Lafia while presenting the Assembly’s resolution on a matter of public importance brought before the House by Hon. Daniel Oga Ogazi.
Jatau said multiple taxation was negatively affecting businesses and residents and called on the state government to ensure the full implementation of the State Revenue Harmonisation Law.
“I want to urge the state government to ensure full implementation of the State Revenue Harmonisation Law to avoid multiple taxation,” the Speaker said.
Following the concerns raised, the Assembly constituted an ad hoc committee to investigate revenue collection activities across the state and determine how effectively the existing revenue harmonisation law is being implemented.
The committee will also establish the number of revenue consultants operating in Nasarawa and examine whether their activities comply with the state’s revenue framework.
The committee is chaired by Hon. Hudu A. Hudu, while Hon. Daniel Ogazi, Hon. Solomon Yakubu Akwashiki, Hon. Jonah Ali Dizaho and Dr Hajara Danyaro Ibrahim will serve as members.
Mr Aluma Joseph, Secretary of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, was appointed secretary of the committee.
Mararaba Revenue Collection Under Investigation
The Speaker specifically directed the committee to investigate revenue collection around the Mararaba axis of Karu Local Government Area and neighbouring communities, particularly locations close to the state’s boundaries.
Jatau said the Assembly wanted clarity on who was collecting revenue from businesses and residents in those areas and where the money was being remitted.
“The committee should also ascertain our payees in Mararaba axis, Karu LGA and its environs. Let us know whether those in border areas are paying revenue to us or somewhere else,” he said.
The committee was given two weeks to submit its findings to the Assembly.
Lawmaker Cites 23 Taxes Paid by Private School
Ogazi, who introduced the matter, said the Assembly had received complaints from business operators over the number of taxes they were being asked to pay.
He said the situation was particularly troubling given the current economic challenges facing residents and businesses in the state.
“Mr Speaker and my colleagues, my matter of public interest is in respect of multiple taxation in the state,” Ogazi said.
He cited the case of a private school proprietor who, according to the complaint presented to him, was paying as many as 23 different taxes.
“The multiple taxation in the state is adding hardship to the lives of our people considering the current economic reality,” he said.
Ogazi stressed that the Assembly had a responsibility to protect residents and support a healthy business environment.
“As an Assembly, it is our responsibility to protect our people and the state,” he said.
He also called on the Nasarawa State Revenue Service to intensify efforts to address the complaints and ensure that businesses are not subjected to multiple charges for the same or related obligations.
“There is the need for the Assembly to direct the State Revenue Service to step up and make sure that this multiple taxation is addressed,” Ogazi said.
Lawmakers Back Investigation
Several lawmakers, including Hon. Esson Mairiga, Hon. Hudu A. Hudu, Hon. Jacob Ajegena Kudu, Hon. Hajara Danyaro Ibrahim, Hon. Musa Abubakar Ibrahim, Rt. Hon. Abel Yakubu Bala, Hon. Larry Ven-Bawa and Rt. Hon. Mohammed Adamu Oyanki, supported the motion.
The lawmakers expressed concern that multiple taxation could discourage businesses and investment and affect economic activities across the state.
They backed calls for the state and local governments to fully implement the Revenue Harmonisation Law previously passed by the Assembly.
The committee’s investigation is expected to give the House a clearer picture of revenue collection practices in Nasarawa, including the activities of revenue consultants and the level of compliance with the harmonisation framework.
