Enugu Assembly passes bill for payment of taxes, levies for state, LGAs

By, Chinelo Kodilichukwu  Enugu 

Enugu State house of assembly on Thursday 5th march 2026 at the chamber passed a bill for a law to enact the Enugu State harmonized taxes and levies (approved list for collection) bill 2026 to provide for the collection of taxes and levies by the State and local government and for other connected purposes ( HB.1) 2026.

The minority leader Iloabuchi Aniagu representing Nkanu west explained that tax is a social contract, and there is no society that will develop without the citizens paying tax. 

He noted that through taxes, government provides good roads, hospitals, education and other amenities in the State.

He also emphasized that the bill if passed will harmonise various taxes and levies that are been collected by various ministries, parastatals, local government and others in the state, thereby eliminating multiple taxation.

Aniagu furthermore emphasized that with this bill, the board of Internal revenue will be in charge of all the money accruing in the state and also remit certain percentage to the local government.

 He said that the bill is meant to close the gap and check leakages where the revenue collectors takes more than 80 percent of the revenue collected, pointing that with technology on board, it will enhance full collection of revenue in Enugu State 

A Member representing Nsukka west constituency, Malachy Onyechi while supporting the bill stated that, it will bring transparency, good governance and citizens protection.

He noted that without harmonized taxes, revenue collectors will continue to abuse it and government will take the blame. 

He said that if the bill passed into law, it will strengthen the faith of investors and entrepreneur in the state. According to him, “No investor will like to come to a state where tax are not stable”.

Princess Obiajulu Ugwu member representing Enugu South constituency,  in her contribution supported the bill stressing that it will put to a stop to the harassment of road users by the ministry of transport (MOT) in the state. 

Another member representing Nkanu East constituency Okechukwu Mba also in his contribution stressed that it is very important for citizens to pay tax, pointing that Governor Mba’s administration has achieved a lot through taxes.

According to him, “his administration through taxes has done a lot of infrastructures, road construction, tourism sites and others, a lot has been realized especially from International conference center”.

He further expressed his impression with the fine and penalties contained in the bill stressing that it will address some abnormalities from the revenue collectors. 

The Speaker Enugu State House of Assembly Hon. Uche Ugwu in his closing remarks applauded the members especially those who made contributions during the plenary session.