Plateau Assembly Approves Harmonized Tax Law to Strengthen Internally Generated Revenue

The Plateau State House of Assembly has approved a harmonized tax and levies law aimed at strengthening the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) system and aligning tax administration with national reforms and global best practices.

The approval was disclosed in a press statement issued by Philip Eplong, Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, following plenary deliberations of the House.

The bill, transmitted to the Assembly by Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang through an executive communication, seeks to domesticate the Presidential Harmonized Tax Policy in Plateau State. The House Majority Leader, Hon. Joseph Gokum, moved the motion for the bill’s consideration, which was seconded by Hon. Adamu Aliyu and Hon. Eli Bako Ankala.

Leading debate on the bill, Hon. Gokum explained that the law is designed to eliminate multiple taxation, curb indiscriminate revenue collection, and introduce a cashless tax administration system. He added that the reform would empower the Plateau State Internal Revenue Service and its Board to effectively implement the new tax policy and improve revenue performance.

Members of the House expressed strong support for the bill, highlighting its economic benefits and the need for Plateau State to align with current federal tax policy standards. To fast-track the process, the House suspended Order 13, Rule 1, allowing the bill to pass through all legislative stages, including detailed consideration at the Committee of Supply.

The bill was subsequently considered clause-by-clause, with amendments adopted to reflect the socio-economic realities of Plateau citizens. Key provisions include the harmonization of taxable revenue streams, elimination of double taxation, equitable distribution of tax responsibilities, and penalties of up to ₦2 million for offenders.

Following its third reading, the bill was unanimously passed. Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel, commended lawmakers for their dedication and patriotism, particularly for sitting during the festive season, and directed the Clerk of the House to transmit a clean copy of the law to the Executive Governor for assent.