By Elizabeth Osayande

The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, CITN has welcomed and praised the recent resolution by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF aimed at addressing illegal roadblocks and harmonising levies on the transportation of agricultural produce across Nigerian states. The resolution was reached during the NGF meeting on June 18, 2025, following a comprehensive briefing by the National Security Adviser and other key ministers concerning the negative implications of unchecked checkpoint proliferation and unregulated taxation.

“This resolution is a positive development for our agricultural sector,” the 17th President and Chairman of Council of CITN, said Innocent Ohagwa. “By eliminating illegal roadblocks, we are not only improving the food supply chain but also combating the alarming food inflation, which has risen to 21.14% as reported in May 2025.”

Ohagwa further emphasised the significance of fiscal coordination, stating, “The NGF has recognized that streamlined administrative processes are crucial for achieving our national development objectives. Illegal levies and excessive taxation disrupt supply chains and make food less affordable for everyday Nigerians.”

If uniformly implemented, the decision is poised to enhance food availability, restore public trust, and alleviate cost-push inflation that affects millions of citizens. “We strongly urge His Excellencies, the state governors, to closely supervise their local government Chairmen and the Chairmen of their States Internal Revenue Services to ensure that this directive is executed effectively,” Ohagwa added.

He also highlighted the importance of the Executive Secretary of the Joint Tax Board collaborating with the Inspector-General of Police to enforce compliance with the new directive.

Ohagwa called on governors to ensure that a statutory allocation of the required percentage of the State Internally Generated Revenue is allocated to Local Government Councils. “This will help alleviate the financial pressures on these councils,” he noted.

As an organisation tasked with regulating tax practices in Nigeria, CITN has long been an advocate against multiple taxes and unregulated collection methods. “These practices burden compliance, deter investments, and contribute to significant revenue losses for the government,” Ohagwa remarked.

In conclusion, CITN calls for all levels of government to persist in implementing people-centered reforms that will improve living standards, lower the cost of doing business, and support inclusive economic growth.

“In order for Nigeria to move forward, we must create an environment that fosters trust and facilitates easier access to resources for our farmers and businesses alike,” Ohagwa stated, leaving readers with a call to action for ongoing reform efforts.