FIC Report (Benue State) – The Benue State House of Assembly has held a public hearing on the Benue State Revenue Service (Consolidation and Harmonized) Bill, 2025.
The proposed Harmonized Tax Bill seeks to repeal the State Internal Revenue Administration Law, 2022 (as amended), and replace it with the Benue State Revenue Service Establishment Law, 2025.
Declaring the public hearing open, the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Alfred Aondoaver Emberga, MNIQS, who was represented by the Majority Chief Whip, Hon. Cyril Ikong (Oju II State Constituency), said the exercise had become imperative following the new Federal Government Tax Law which came into effect on January 1, 2026.
He noted that the new law would enhance revenue collection and prudent government spending, adding that amending the current revenue administration framework in the state would ensure funds are channeled into projects and programmes that directly benefit citizens, including hospitals, schools, agriculture, and public infrastructure.
Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Finance, Hon. Dr. Mathew Damkor, explained that the proposed law is designed to address long-standing challenges such as multiple taxation, overlapping tax authorities, unclear tax obligations, and administrative inefficiencies.
Hon. Damkor further stated that the bill aims to establish a clear, unified, and coherent tax framework that benefits the government, taxpayers, and businesses—particularly small and medium-scale enterprises. According to him, a harmonized tax regime will reduce uncertainty, lower compliance costs, encourage voluntary compliance, and improve the ease of doing business in Benue State.
He added that the public hearing provides a platform for constructive dialogue, stakeholder engagement, and collective ownership of the reform process, stressing that contributions from participants would help ensure the final law reflects realities on the ground and serves the best interests of the people of Benue State.
Stakeholders at the hearing included representatives from institutions of learning, ministries, local governments, agencies and parastatals, the judiciary, state legislators, business organisations, finance experts, senior government officials, and traditional rulers, among others.
Signed
VERONICA AZEMBA
For Head of Center Makurdi.
