Anambra Becomes Third State to Adopt Harmonised Tax Reform Law

Anambra State has joined the growing list of Nigerian states implementing comprehensive tax reform, with Governor Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo signing the Harmonised Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Law on Monday.

This makes Anambra the third state to domesticate the groundbreaking legislation aimed at modernising revenue administration.

The move follows similar actions by Zamfara State, where Governor Dauda Lawal recently enacted legislation to repeal and re-enact the Zamfara State Consolidated Revenue Laws, establish the Zamfara State Internal Revenue Service, harmonise tax and non-tax revenue, and provide a legal framework for effective tax administration. Earlier, Ekiti State had also passed its Revenue Administration Law, signalling a growing alignment among states on modernising fiscal systems.

The adoption of these laws reflects a coordinated effort by state governments to replace fragmented and outdated revenue practices with coherent, harmonised systems that integrate with the Federal Government’s wider tax reform agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. By standardising approved taxes and levies, states aim to eliminate multiple and overlapping charges that previously created administrative bottlenecks and imposed undue burdens on citizens and businesses.

According to government statements, the harmonised tax regimes are designed to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability in revenue collection. The laws prioritise fairness, reduce arbitrary collections, and leverage technology to simplify processes. These measures are expected to restore public confidence in government institutions while promoting economic certainty and competitiveness for businesses operating within the states.

Experts say the steps taken by Anambra and other early adopters could serve as a model for other states, providing a blueprint for integrating state-level tax administration with the federal reforms. The reforms are also expected to facilitate easier compliance for taxpayers, reduce revenue leakages, and ensure that revenues collected are properly accounted for and utilised for development projects.

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The Anambra law complements the federal tax reform framework, including the harmonisation of multiple taxes, expansion of the tax base, protection of low-income earners, and digitalisation of tax administration. Analysts note that these coordinated efforts reflect a strategic policy direction aimed at modernising Nigeria’s fiscal environment, enhancing investor confidence, and fostering sustainable economic growth.

With Anambra now on board, the trend of domestication by states signals wider acceptance and momentum for the national tax reform agenda, suggesting a gradual shift toward a more transparent, efficient, and business-friendly revenue system across Nigeria.