Nasarawa Assembly raises alarm over multiple taxation for businesses

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has raised concerns over alleged multiple taxation in the state, saying the practice is placing additional pressure on businesses and residents.

The Speaker of the Assembly, Dr Danladi Jatau, disclosed this on Wednesday in Lafia while reading the House resolution on a matter of public importance raised by Hon. Daniel Oga Ogazi during plenary.

Jatau said multiple taxation was having negative effects on businesses and the livelihoods of residents, urging relevant authorities to take steps to address the issue.

“I want to urge the state government to ensure full implementation of the State Revenue Harmonisation Law to avoid multiple taxation,” the Speaker said.

He announced the setting up of an ad hoc committee to investigate revenue collection activities in the state and assess the implementation of the Revenue Harmonisation Law.

According to him, the committee would determine the number of revenue consultants operating in the state and examine the extent to which the existing revenue harmonisation framework was being implemented.

The committee is chaired by Hon. Hudu A. Hudu, with Hon. Daniel Ogazi, Hon. Solomon Yakubu Akwashiki, Hon. Jonah Ali Dizaho and Dr Hajara Danyaro Ibrahim as members. The Secretary of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Mr Aluma Joseph, will serve as secretary to the committee.

Jatau further directed the committee to investigate revenue collection around the Mararaba axis of Karu Local Government Area and its environs, particularly areas close to state boundaries.

“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 Speaker directed the committee to submit its report within two weeks.

Earlier, Ogazi, who raised the matter, said complaints from business operators indicated that multiple taxation was adding to the economic difficulties faced by residents.

“Mr Speaker and my colleagues, my matter of public interest is in respect of multiple taxation in the state,” Ogazi said.

He said business operators had complained about paying multiple taxes, citing the case of a private school proprietor who, according to him, reported paying 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 added, “As an Assembly, it is our responsibility to protect our people and the state.”

He called on the Nasarawa State Revenue Service to strengthen efforts to address the concerns surrounding multiple taxation.

“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,” he said.

Contributing to the debate, 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 about the potential impact of multiple taxation on businesses and investment, saying the Assembly would continue to work towards creating a more favourable environment for economic activities in the state.

They also called on the state and local governments to ensure full implementation of the Revenue Harmonisation Law passed by the Assembly.

The committee’s investigation is expected to provide the Assembly with further information on revenue collection practices and the implementation of the harmonisation law across the state.