Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has signed a new bill into law to establish a unified tax collection system, eliminating multiple taxation in the state.
The law, known as the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (Establishment and Consolidation of Revenue Administration) Law, 2025, grants autonomy to the revenue collection agency, freeing it from bureaucratic delays.
At a brief signing ceremony at the Government House in Enugu on Tuesday, Governor Mbah hailed the law as a key achievement in improving the state’s business environment and attracting investment.
“I’ve often heard complaints from businesses, market women, and the private sector about the burden of multiple tax demands. This ends today. With this new law, there will be a single point of tax payment for everyone—businesses, market women, and government agencies alike. This streamlining ensures that tax payments are made at one place, with the appropriate receipt issued, eliminating any confusion or extra demands,” Mbah said.
He explained that the law will simplify tax administration by consolidating revenue for both state and local governments, ensuring that each receives its rightful share, as seen with land charges and VAT.
“The goal is to have one collection point, but still ensure revenue is distributed appropriately across all tiers of government. This is not a new concept—state collection of local taxes like Land Use Charges has existed for some time,” Mbah added.
The law also grants autonomy to the Enugu State Inland Revenue Service, allowing it to set its targets, hire and fire staff, and operate more like a professional organization.
Mbah clarified that the rise in the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) wasn’t due to tax hikes but rather efforts to expand the tax base, plug revenue leaks, and use technology to improve collection efficiency.
“We have not increased any taxes in Enugu. Our focus has been widening the tax net and ensuring proper accounting for funds that were previously unrecorded,” Mbah said.
He also expressed appreciation for the swift support of the Enugu State House of Assembly, which helped expedite the bill’s passage.
Speaker Hon. Uchenna Ugwu described the new law as a turning point in revenue collection, highlighting its role in enhancing the Ease of Doing Business, boosting IGR, and sealing loopholes in tax administration.
