By Tina Amanda
Civil society organizations (CSOs) and tax ecosystem stakeholders are urging the Rivers State Government to harmonize tax reforms and levies across its 23 local government areas (LGAs) to combat illegal and multiple taxation issues.
This appeal was voiced during a one-day write shop on fiscal policy and tax reform at the subnational level, organized in Port Harcourt by the Rivers State Tax Justice and Governance Platform in partnership with OXFAM Nigeria, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), and the Community Conciliation and Development Initiative (CCADI).
Dr. Amaechi Kelechi Justin, Coordinator of the Rivers State Tax Justice & Governance Platform, emphasized the importance of a digitized tax payment system to replace manual processes at the LGA level.
He stated that tax digitization would help eliminate multiple and illegal taxation, create a more business-friendly environment, and support job creation in Rivers State.
“We have seen numerous cases of multiple and illegal taxation making it nearly impossible for new businesses to establish or existing ones to expand. Addressing these issues is essential to foster a conducive business environment in Rivers State.
“If for any reason we want to support the aspiration of the executive Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara in making the State investors heaven. We need to address this hydra headed issue of multiple and illegal taxation in the State that way the business environment will be more friendly for businesses to come open shop in Rivers.
“As civil society organizations we are worried that small businesses are closing and it’s creating more unemployment, criminality and restiveness in the State.
He acknowledged the introduction of a USSD code by the Rivers State Government to facilitate digital tax payments. However, he expressed concern that similar initiatives have not yet been implemented at the LGA level, where manual tax collection continues.
“The face-to-face tax collection interactions often lead to challenges. Digitalizing tax payments in all 23 LGAs would streamline processes, reduce interference, and improve transparency.
“The local government chairmen are still talking about using tax consultants to collect levies and rates. That has been the problem with this face-to-face engagement with tax collectors and taxpayers.
“We want that face-to-face engagement to cease Same way people remit their taxes digitally to the Rivers State Government, that should happen in the twenty- three (23) local government in Rivers State.”
Dr. Ngozi Korode, Consultant to the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service (RIRS), spoke on the benefits of digitization for reducing corruption and improving efficiency in tax payments.
She emphasized that digital records ensure taxpayers have proof of their payments and help eliminate cash-based, manual transactions prone to misuse.
“Digitisation is going to phase out cash in tax payment and you are sure that you are paying to the right source through the right Chanel and your tax will count.”
Flora Aseri, Senior Program Officer at the Stakeholder Democracy Network, urged the public to utilize the new USSD code, which minimizes third-party involvement and enhances accountability.
Participants concluded the workshop with a communique recommending several actions, including:
Aligning Rivers State’s new tax reforms with LGA structures to ensure uniformity in tax collection. Launching a tax education program involving CSOs, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, and business associations to raise public awareness.
Hosting an LGA-level workshop on tax digitization and harmonization, targeting all 23 LGA Chairmen. Establishing a clear policy on nano-business taxation, and creating an independent incident reporting unit to handle community-level tax grievances.
Upgrading the USSD platform to reflect LGA-specific tax payments for improved transparency.
The CSOs underscored the need for collaboration with the RIRS and independent bodies to drive these reforms forward, helping to make Rivers State a more attractive destination for investors and businesses.
