Lagos Assembly moves to end multiple taxation with new revenue bill

The Lagos State House of Assembly has held a high-stakes public hearing aimed at harmosing the state taxes and levies.
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‎The proposed legislation aims to overhaul the state’s revenue system, effectively ending the era of multiple taxation, illegal roadblocks and cash-based extortion.
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‎The bill, Lagos State Harmonised Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Bill 2025, which aligns with the Federal Government’s fiscal reforms and the Renewed Hope Agenda, seeks to consolidate over 60 different levies into a streamlined list of nine primary tax categories.
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‎Under the proposed law, any person found collecting unauthorised taxes or mounting roadblocks for levies faces a fine of up to N5 million and three years imprisonment.
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‎Addressing the gallery on behalf of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, the Deputy Speaker, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, emphasised that the bill mandates a fully electronic payment structure.
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‎“By eliminating cash transactions, the state is reinforcing transparency and protecting businesses from exploitation and harassment by unauthorised groups,” she noted.
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‎The Chairman, House Committee on Finance, Femi Saheed, emphasised that the legislation is designed to dismantle the long-standing hurdles of multiple taxation, illegal collections and arbitrary ticketing that have plagued businesses and residents across the state.
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‎Saheed noted that while taxes are the lifeblood of infrastructure, healthcare and security, the current system has created unnecessary burdens that stifle investor confidence.
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‎“It is not merely about revenue generation, but about creating order and ensuring businesses operate within a predictable environment.”
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‎He stressed that the legislative process remains open and inclusive; assuring participants that the committee is eager to identify hidden taxes not currently captured in the draft to ensure the final law is comprehensive.
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‎“It is our responsibility to ensure that the final legislation is fair, practical and implementable,” Saheed added. “Every submission and memorandum made today will be carefully considered in the best interest of Lagos State.”
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‎Despite the optimistic tone of government officials, various stakeholders used the floor to voice the realities of doing business in Lagos.
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‎Representatives from the Maritime Truck Drivers and LASCOC lamented the daily harassment by tugs and unauthorised agents on local council roads.
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‎Responding, the deputy speaker assured the public that Clause 9 of the bill specifically addresses illegal collections.
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‎“We will cross the T’s and dot the I’s to ensure a robust law,” she said.
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