The Kogi State Government has warned individuals and groups involved in illegal tax collection on highways to stop the practice or face prosecution.
The Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS), Salihu Enehe, gave the warning during an interactive session with journalists in Lokoja, saying the state’s position aligns with Nigeria’s new tax law, which took effect on January 1, 2026.
Enehe said the law outlaws all forms of unauthorised revenue collection on highways carried out under the guise of taxation.
He stressed that anyone caught engaging in such activities would be treated as an economic saboteur and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“Any individual or group found collecting illegal revenue on highways will be regarded as an enemy of Kogi State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Such practices will no longer be tolerated,” he said.
The KGIRS chairman also announced that the sale of revenue emblems and the collection of haulage fees on highways had been abolished under the new tax regime.
According to him, legitimate haulage charges can only be collected at designated loading and off-loading points, in line with the provisions of the new law and international best practices.
“All legitimate haulage charges are now restricted to approved loading and off-loading locations. This is intended to improve transparency and create a more business-friendly environment,” Enehe added.
He urged transport operators, business owners and members of the public to comply with the new directives and report any cases of illegal tax collection to the appropriate authorities.
Enehe reaffirmed the Kogi State Government’s commitment to promoting a transparent and efficient tax administration system that supports economic growth while protecting law-abiding citizens.
