Soludo proposes Bill to eliminate multiple taxation

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By Madu Obi

A Bill for a Law to establish Anambra State Taxes, Levies and Presumptive Tax Collection 2025 has passed through second reading in the state House of Assembly.

Essentially, the Bill provides that any person or group that mounts roadblock for the purpose of revenue collection, is liable for a fine of over N5 million and imprisonment, among other provisions.

The executive Bill, when passed, will aim to eliminate multiple taxation and illegal collection of levy by unauthorized persons within Anambra State.

Presenting the Bill for consideration, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon Ikenna Ofodeme said it will also aim to block loopholes and illegal taxes, as well as define the revenues meant for each of the three tiers of government.

Ofodeme explained that the Bill when passed, will also help the people to know what to pay and embrace the ease of making payments electronically.

According to him, the Bill will also reduce the issue of touts collecting levy without state approvals, which will in turn, boost the economy and increase the state's Internally Generated Revenue, IGR.

Supporting the passage of the Bill, the member representing Nnewi South Constituency 2, Hon JohnBosco Akaegbobi said the objectives of the law include transparency and electronic collection, as well as ensure that the IGR goes into government coffers without being siphoned.

Also Hon Ejike Okechukwu representing Anaocha Constituency 2, lamented that Anambra State, despite having so many markets and economic players, still has very little to show in terms of IGR.

Other supporters of the Bill, including Noble Igwe representing Ogbaru Constituency 1, Emma Nwafor of Orumba South Constituency, and Golden Iloh of Ihiala Constituency 2 observed that the bill has provisions for punishments against offenders to eliminate multiple taxation.