By Tina Amanda
Civil society organizations (CSOs) have called on the Rivers State Government to enforce the use of the *5224# digital tax payment platform to eliminate illegal and multiple taxation in the state.
Kelechi Ameachi, Coordinator of the Rivers State Tax Justice and Governance Platform, made the call during a “Tax Walkathon” sensitization campaign held in Port Harcourt on Friday, February 28, 2025. The event Power of Voices Partnership Fair for All, was organized by Tax Justice in collaboration with CISLAC, with support from Oxfam Nigeria to raise awareness about fair tax practices.
Ameachi noted that despite the government’s introduction of the digital tax payment platform, implementation remains weak, leaving businesses vulnerable to multiple tax demands and harassment from tax agents and task forces.
“The Rivers State Government has taken steps to address illegal and multiple taxation by introducing the *5224# platform, which allows businesses to pay their taxes easily. However, enforcement remains a major challenge.
“Many businesses still receive excessive demand notices and are forced to pay exorbitant levies to tax agents and task forces.”
He stressed that harmonized taxation would promote business growth and job creation, ultimately reducing youth unemployment and crime in the state.
“We are urging the government to not only introduce these initiatives but also enforce them. Businesses need a simplified and harmonized tax system to thrive, create jobs, and contribute to economic growth.”
Victoria Okoko, Chairperson of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Port Harcourt District Society, emphasized the importance of taxpayers knowing their rights and using digital platforms for tax payments.
“If taxes are paid digitally, it eliminates the need for intermediaries, ensuring that tax revenues go directly into government coffers. This will help curb illegal collections and double taxation.
“It is important for every taxpayer to know their right, know the right avenue to pay their taxes.”
She added that proper implementation of the *5224# platform would reduce touting in the tax system.
Evelyn Williams, Executive Director of LightHope Succor Worldwide Initiative and a member of the Rivers State Tax Justice and Governance Platform, urged the government to ensure taxpayers see tangible benefits from their contributions.
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“Many business owners, especially women and young girls operating in market spaces, lack basic amenities such as toilets, proper parking spaces, and waste management services. The government must ensure that tax revenues are used to improve these facilities.
“We really want to see that those things are being put in place to ensure the taxpayers get equivalent services for the tax payment.”
Speaking to our correspondent, a trader identified as Boma shared her struggles with illegal levies in the market.
“Every day, I pay between ₦600 to ₦700 in levies. Different people come with separate tickets claiming to be collecting for the local government. If you don’t pay, they harass you, scatter your goods, or even seize them. My fish business is too small to handle all these levies,” she lamented.
Boma called on the government to intervene, urging authorities to engage tax collectors in meaningful employment to curb their activities.
Eze Eberechi, State Officer of BudgIT Foundation, reiterated the importance of tax compliance and government accountability.
“It is only when people pay their taxes that they can hold the government accountable. Our organization tracks tax-funded projects to ensure they contribute to the development of the state.
“We want people to be responsible citizens, because it is from the tax we pay, we track projects, and it is from the projects that our society, State, is developed.”
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