Kogi State Enacts New Tax Laws in Line with Federal Reforms

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, has formally signed two major revenue bills into law, marking a significant alignment with the Federal Government’s ongoing national tax reform agenda.

The newly enacted legislation includes the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (Establishment) Law, 2025 and the Kogi State Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Law, 2025. The development was announced in a statement on Thursday by the State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo.

According to the commissioner, the laws are designed to boost state revenue, enhance transparency in collection, and stimulate economic growth. A key provision of the reform is the exemption of low-income earners making below N800,000 annually from tax obligations.

Fanwo outlined several expected benefits, including simplified tax processes and reduced compliance costs aimed at attracting businesses. He also emphasized the move toward a digitalized tax administration system, which is intended to “reduce human interference and promote accountability.”

“The reforms are to support a structural reset, drive harmonisation, and protect dignity, rather than raise tax obligations,” Fanwo stated.

The state’s action follows the directive of President Bola Tinubu, who has championed the nationwide tax reforms. The President has previously stated that the new tax regime should commence as planned on January 1, 2026, describing it as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation for our country.”

He has consistently framed the revised tax laws not as a tool for increasing the tax burden, but as a means to strengthen the social contract through harmonization and structural improvement.