The Lagos State House of Assembly is considering a bill aimed at harmonising taxes and eliminating the collection of levies by unions and other unauthorised groups across the state.
The proposed legislation, titled “A Law to Enact the Lagos State Harmonised Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Law, to Provide for the Collection of Taxes and Levies by the State and its Local Government Councils and for Related Matters,” was subjected to a public hearing on Friday before the House Committee on Finance.
Speaking at the public hearing, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, represented by Deputy Speaker Hon. Mojisola Meranda, described the hearing as a reflection of the Assembly’s commitment to inclusive and participatory lawmaking.
He stressed that governance becomes more effective when citizens contribute directly to policies and laws affecting their daily lives.
He added that one of the core objectives of the bill was to eliminate multiple taxation, duplication, and confusion that have long affected residents, businesses, and investors in Lagos State.
Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, Hon. Femi Saheed, said the bill would significantly impact governance, revenue administration, and business operations in the state.
He explained that concerns over multiple taxation and the activities of unauthorised revenue collectors informed the introduction of the new tax policy in line with the tax reform bill recently passed by the National Assembly.
The bill seeks to ensure that only recognised tax authorities are empowered to assess and collect revenue on behalf of the Lagos State Government and local government councils.
