Kogi: KGIRS moves against illegal highway revenue collection

The Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) has declared a total clampdown on illegal tax and revenue collection on highways across the state, warning that offenders will be arrested and prosecuted under the provisions of Nigeria’s new tax law.

The Executive Chairman of KGIRS, Dr. Salihu Sule Enehe, gave the warning on Sunday in Lokoja while explaining the implications of the tax reform, which came into effect on January 1, 2026.

He said the new law had outlawed all forms of unauthorised revenue collection on highways, describing the practice as illegal and detrimental to economic growth.

Dr. Enehe stressed that individuals or groups who continued to mount illegal roadblocks or collect taxes without lawful authority would be treated as criminals and economic saboteurs.

He maintained that the state government would no longer tolerate activities capable of disrupting the free movement of goods and services or undermining the nation’s tax administration system.

According to him, anyone arrested for violating the new tax regime would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, adding that the reform is aimed at eliminating multiple taxation, improving the ease of doing business and creating a more transparent revenue collection process.

The KGIRS chairman further disclosed that the sale of revenue emblems and the collection of haulage fees on highways had been abolished under the new tax framework.

He explained that legitimate haulage charges can now only be collected at designated loading and off-loading points, a measure designed to align Nigeria’s tax administration with global best practices while reducing the burden on transporters and businesses.

Dr. Enehe called on transport operators, business owners and members of the public to cooperate with the government by complying with the new directives and reporting any cases of illegal tax collection to relevant authorities.

He reiterated the commitment of the Kogi State Government to building a modern, transparent and business-friendly tax system that will boost investor confidence, enhance internally generated revenue through lawful means and protect the interests of law-abiding citizens.