Alli Urges Makinde to Harmonize Tax Laws in Oyo State

Senator Sharafedeen Alli, the 2027 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, has expressed concerns about Governor Seyi Makinde's alleged indifference to passing the state's tax harmonisation law. Alli's concerns stem from reports of non-state actors, posing as revenue agents, harassing and extorting money from farmers and business owners transporting goods across the state. These agents have allegedly set up roadblocks, levying taxes on farm produce and commodities.

According to Alli, the non-state actors have repeatedly harassed, molested, and extorted money from struggling farmers who move their farm produce from Oyo North to Ibadan. Business owners transporting goods from Ibadan to other parts of the state have also reported being levied at different roadblocks. Alli stated that multiple taxes on the movement of farm produce and commodities within Oyo State's road transport corridor add to the high cost of basic goods and deplete the profit margin of farmers and small-scale business owners.

Alli stressed that the people of Oyo State deserve freedom from multiple taxation, which would come with the domestication of the Tax Harmonisation Law. The law aims to harmonize taxes across states and local government areas, eliminate arbitrary and unauthorized collections, and end the activities of illegal tax collectors. He noted that many forward-looking states have already passed the law, while others are making efforts to conclude the law enactment process.

Alli expressed regret that the Oyo State government, under Governor Makinde's leadership, has failed to demonstrate a serious commitment to domesticating the Tax Harmonisation Law despite the urgent need to protect citizens, businesses, traders, and farmers from multiple taxation and illegal revenue collection. He assured the people of Oyo State that, if elected governor, he would pass the Tax Harmonisation Law within his first 100 days in office.

The proposed law seeks to protect farmers, transporters, business owners, and consumers from harassment and promote economic growth and prosperity. Alli emphasized that the people of Oyo State deserve a tax system that encourages businesses rather than burdens them. He vowed to create a tax system that promotes economic growth and prosperity.

Alli's call comes as some states in Nigeria have already implemented the Tax Harmonisation Law to streamline tax collection and eliminate multiple taxation. The law has been designed to bring relief to taxpayers, businesses, and the general public. Oyo State, however, remains one of the states yet to adopt the law.

The issue of multiple taxation and illegal levies has been a longstanding concern in Oyo State, with many residents and businesses calling for a streamlined tax system. Alli's promise to pass the Tax Harmonisation Law within his first 100 days in office has been seen as a move to address this concern and promote economic growth in the state.

Key points

• Alli urges Governor Makinde to pass the Tax Harmonisation Law to end multiple taxation and illegal levies in Oyo State.