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| Dr. Salihu Sule Enehe |
The warning was issued by the Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS), Dr. Salihu Sule Enehe, during a stakeholders' engagement on the implementation of Nigeria's new tax reforms. He stressed that the state government would no longer tolerate unauthorized tax collection or extortion carried out in the name of revenue generation.
According to Enehe, the recently introduced tax reforms have outlawed the collection of unauthorized levies on highways and other public places. He said the practice of mounting illegal roadblocks, collecting haulage fees from transporters, or selling unofficial revenue tickets and emblems is no longer permitted under the law.
He explained that only designated government agencies and duly authorized officials have the legal authority to collect taxes and approved levies. Any individual or group found demanding payments outside the approved channels, he warned, would be treated as an economic saboteur whose activities undermine the state's revenue system and discourage investment.
The KGIRS chairman noted that the reforms are aimed at creating a transparent and efficient tax administration process while eliminating multiple taxation and illegal collections that have placed unnecessary financial burdens on businesses and motorists.
He urged transport operators, traders, business owners, and members of the public to refuse payments to unauthorized revenue collectors and immediately report suspicious activities to security agencies or the state revenue service for prompt investigation and enforcement.
Enehe emphasized that legitimate haulage charges can only be collected at approved loading and off-loading points as stipulated under the new tax framework. He said the government is determined to ensure that every revenue collected is properly accounted for and remitted into government coffers.
He added that eliminating illegal tax collection would improve the ease of doing business in Kogi State, strengthen investor confidence, and protect genuine taxpayers from extortion. According to him, businesses thrive better in an environment where tax administration is predictable, transparent, and free from harassment by unauthorized individuals.
The state government also called on security agencies to support the enforcement of the new tax regulations by identifying and apprehending those operating illegal collection points across the state.
The warning comes as governments across Nigeria continue to implement reforms aimed at improving internally generated revenue while reducing illegal taxation and multiple levies. Authorities believe the measures will encourage economic growth, improve compliance with tax laws, and ensure that public funds are available for infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other essential services.
The Kogi State Government reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the law without fear or favour, stressing that anyone found engaging in illegal revenue collection would face the full weight of the law regardless of their status or affiliation.