Kogi warns against illegal tax collection on highways

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The Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS), Salihu Enehe, has cautioned against illegal revenue collection on highways following the enforcement of Nigeria’s new tax law, which took effect on January 1, 2026.

Enehe gave the warning on Sunday during an interactive session with journalists in Lokoja, where he explained the implications of the tax reforms.

According to him, the new tax framework expressly outlaws all forms of unauthorised revenue collection on highways carried out under the guise of taxation.

“Any individual or group found engaging in such practices would be regarded as an enemy of both Kogi State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Enehe said, adding that the government would no longer tolerate activities capable of undermining economic stability and lawful revenue administration.

According to him, offenders would be treated as criminals and economic saboteurs and, upon arrest, prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The KGIRS chairman further said the reform had abolished the sale of revenue emblems and the collection of haulage fees on highways.

He explained that all legitimate haulage charges are now restricted to designated loading and off-loading points, in line with the provisions of the new tax law and global best practices.

Enehe urged transport operators, business owners and the general public to comply with the new directives and report cases of illegal tax collection to the appropriate authorities.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Kogi State Government to building a transparent, efficient and business-friendly tax system that supports economic growth and protects the interests of law-abiding citizens.