New Anambra State Tax Law Passes Second Reading at House of Assembly
The Anambra State Government’s bill seeking to establish the Anambra State Taxes, Levies and Presumptive Tax Collection Law 2025 has passed its second reading at the State House of Assembly.
The Executive Bill, when enacted, is expected to significantly curb multiple taxation, eliminate illegal levy collection by unauthorized individuals, and streamline the tax administration framework within the state.
Presenting the bill for debate, the Majority Leader, Mr. Ikenna Ofodeme, explained that its key objective is to block existing loopholes in tax administration, eradicate illegal taxes, and clearly define the revenue jurisdictions of the federal, state, and local governments.
According to him, the proposed law will also help residents understand the exact taxes they are required to pay and encourage the use of electronic payment channels to promote efficiency and transparency.
Mr. Ofodeme added that the bill is designed to drastically reduce the activities of touts who collect levies without government authorization.
He said that curbing such practices will stimulate economic growth and boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Supporting the bill, the member representing Nnewi South Constituency II, Mr. JohnBosco Akaegbobi, noted that its provisions will promote transparency, introduce comprehensive electronic revenue collection mechanisms, and ensure that all IGR is properly remitted into government coffers rather than siphoned by private individuals.
Also contributing, Mr. Ejike Okechukwu, representing Anaocha Constituency II, lamented that despite Anambra’s vast markets and vibrant commercial activity, the state’s IGR figures remain disproportionately low a gap he believes the bill will help close.
Other lawmakers, including Mr. Noble Igwe (Ogbaru Constituency I), Mr. Emma Nwafor (Orumba South Constituency), and Mr. Golden Iloh (Ihiala Constituency II), commended the bill for its strong enforcement provisions.
They noted that it provides clear penalties for offenders and contains measures capable of ending multiple taxation.
The proposed law stipulates, among other sanctions, that any individual or group that mounts a roadblock for the purpose of unauthorized revenue collection will be liable to a fine of over ₦5 million, in addition to possible imprisonment.
