Governor Chukwuma Soludo has proposed a significant piece of legislation aimed at eradicating the pervasive issues of multiple taxation and illegal levies within Anambra State.
This bill, officially titled the “Anambra State Taxes, Levies and Presumptive Tax Collection 2025,” has successfully passed its second reading in the state House of Assembly.
A key provision within the bill stipulates severe penalties for illegal revenue collectors, stating that anyone found mounting unauthorized roadblocks for the purpose of revenue collection will face fines exceeding N5 million, along with potential imprisonment and other penalties.
Presenting the bill to the House, the Majority Leader, Honorable Ikenna Ofodeme, explained that the legislation seeks to close existing loopholes, curb illegal taxation practices, and clearly define revenue collection responsibilities across the three tiers of government in the state.
Honorable Ofodeme further elaborated on the expected benefits for citizens, noting: “The bill will also enable citizens to know what they owe and encourage the use of electronic payment systems.”
The proposed legislation is projected to have a positive impact on the state’s economy by reducing the operations of touts and unapproved levy collectors, thereby boosting commercial activities and increasing the Internally Generated Revenue.
Lending his support to the bill, Honorable JohnBosco Akaegbobi of Nnewi South Constituency 2 emphasized the legislation’s critical role in ensuring transparency and the proper allocation of the state’s IGR. Correspondingly, Honorable Ejike Okechukwu of Anaocha Constituency 2 pointed out that the state’s IGR remains relatively low despite Anambra’s thriving markets and high level of economic activity.
Several other lawmakers voiced their approval for the bill. They included Honorable Noble Igwe (Ogbaru Constituency 1), Honorable Emma Nwafor (Orumba South Constituency), and Honorable Golden Iloh (Ihiala Constituency 2). These legislators particularly praised the bill’s provisions for penalizing offenders, collectively calling it a critical step toward eliminating multiple taxation in Anambra State.
