The governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, has rejected claims that his administration imposed high taxes on residents and businesses in the state.
The governor described the allegation as a misconception and clarified that tax legislation in Nigeria is determined by the National Assembly.
Mbah made the clarification during an interview aired on Afia Television, where he addressed public concerns about the state’s tax policies and revenue system.
According to the governor, taxation in Nigeria falls under the exclusive legislative authority of the federal government.
He explained that key taxes such as Personal Income Tax, Company Income Tax, Value Added Tax, and Withholding Tax are determined at the national level and cannot be independently created or altered by a state government.
“First, as a state, we are not able to legislate on taxation. It is in the exclusive legislative list, which can only be legislated on by the National Assembly,” Mbah said.
The governor stated that the administration’s revenue strategy focuses on expanding the tax base rather than introducing new taxes.
He explained that the government has worked to improve internal revenue collection by bringing more taxable individuals and businesses into the system while addressing leakages in the state’s revenue process.
Mbah said reforms introduced by the state include measures such as the use of a consolidated demand notice, electronic ticketing systems, and initiatives aimed at recovering and optimizing government assets.
These measures, according to him, are designed to strengthen transparency and improve public revenue management.
The governor noted that his administration has focused on blocking sharp practices previously associated with revenue collection.
He also emphasized that the reforms are intended to ensure that funds generated by the state are directed toward public services and infrastructure development.
Mbah further stated that the government would take action against individuals involved in illegal revenue collection activities.
He warned that anyone found operating unauthorized tax collection systems would face arrest and prosecution.
The clarification comes amid public discussions about taxation and revenue generation across Nigerian states as governments seek to increase internally generated revenue to support development programmes.
By emphasizing compliance with federal tax laws and enforcement against illegal collectors, the Enugu State Government says it aims to strengthen confidence in the state’s revenue system.
