The Joint Revenue Board (JRB) has commended Ekiti and Zamfara States for the passage of their respective Harmonised Taxes and Levies Laws, describing the development as a milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing tax reform agenda and a signal that more states are likely to follow suit.
In separate statements issued at the weekend, the Board praised the two states for demonstrating strong political will and institutional coordination in streamlining their tax frameworks, a move it said would improve the business environment, curb multiple taxation, and enhance revenue administration at the sub-national level.
The JRB applauded the Zamfara government following the passage of the Zamfara State Harmonised Taxes and Levies Bill into law by the State House of Assembly. The Board specifically commended the governor of Zamfara, lawmakers, and the Executive Chairman of the Zamfara State Internal Revenue Service for their roles in actualising the landmark legislation.
According to the Board, the new law reflects the state’s commitment to economic growth and ease of doing business by simplifying tax laws and providing clarity on approved taxes and levies collectible within the state.
“This landmark legislation, coming on the heels of a similar development in Ekiti State, demonstrates the state’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment and promoting sustainable economic growth,” the JRB said.
It added that the achievement underscored the growing buy-in of states to the tax reform agenda of President Bola Tinubu, while also serving as encouragement for other states to fast-track the enactment of their own Harmonised Taxes and Levies Laws.
“We believe this law will positively impact Zamfara State’s economy and contribute meaningfully to national development,” the Board noted, congratulating the government and people of the state, as well as the leadership of the Zamfara State Internal Revenue Service for what it described as a significant accomplishment.
Similarly, the JRB lauded Ekiti State for what it called a historic and exemplary move in becoming the first state in the country to pass the Harmonised Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Bill 2025 into law, well ahead of the 2026 fiscal year when the revised approved list of collections is scheduled to take effect.
The Board commended Ekiti governor, Mr Abiodun Oyebanji, and members of the state House of Assembly for their leadership and swift action in ensuring the passage of the legislation.
“By this feat, Ekiti State has once again demonstrated exemplary leadership in sub-national fiscal reforms,” the statement said.
On behalf of the Chairman and members of the JRB, the Board praised the expeditious and coordinated approach adopted by the Ekiti State Government, highlighting the collaborative efforts of the Executive Arm, the House of Assembly, and the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service.
The Board also recalled Governor Oyebanji’s commitment in October 2025, during the commissioning of the Ekiti State Revenue House in Ado-Ekiti, that the state would be the first to pass the Harmonised Taxes and Levies Bill into law.
“The fulfilment of this promise underscores His Excellency’s commitment to fiscal discipline, tax transparency, and institutional reforms,” the JRB said.
According to the Board, the Harmonised Taxes and Levies Law provides a coherent and uniform framework for tax administration in Ekiti State, designed to eliminate multiple taxation, curb unauthorised collections by state and non-state actors, plug revenue leakages, and improve the ease of doing business.
In the statements signed by the Executive Secretary of the JRB, Mr. Olusegun Adesokan, the Board noted that the actions taken by Ekiti and Zamfara States align with the national objectives of the ongoing fiscal policy and tax reforms championed by President Tinubu to build a fair, efficient, and growth-oriented tax system that supports economic development and citizens’ welfare.
The JRB said Ekiti State’s pioneering role further reinforces its reputation as a reform-driven and business-friendly state, while setting a strong benchmark for other states to emulate.
The Board expressed optimism that more states would accelerate the passage of similar laws in the coming months, as part of efforts to institutionalise harmony, fairness, certainty, and accountability in sub-national revenue administration across Nigeria.
It also expressed hope for the swift assent of the Ekiti State Bill by Governor Oyebanji to enable full implementation and the realisation of its benefits for government, businesses, and citizens.
Once again, the JRB congratulated the governments and people of Ekiti and Zamfara States, describing their actions as a significant step forward in Nigeria’s tax reform journey.
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