Oyo APC Governorship Candidate Vows Tax Reform Within 100 Days

-Charges Makinde To Pass Tax Harmonisation Law

Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to expedite action on the passage of the Tax Harmonisation Law to address alleged multiple taxation and illegal revenue collections across the state.

Alli said the continued delay in domesticating the legislation had exposed farmers, traders, transporters and other business owners to arbitrary levies and harassment by individuals allegedly operating as revenue agents.

The senator made the call in a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Media and Publicity of the Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO), Bisi Oladele.

He expressed concern over reports of illegal collections imposed on farm produce and other goods transported across the state, particularly along routes linking Oyo North with Ibadan.

According to him, farmers conveying their produce to markets in Ibadan and business owners transporting goods to other parts of the state have allegedly been subjected to multiple levies at various roadblocks.

Alli said the practice was increasing the cost of commodities, reducing the profit margins of farmers and small-scale business owners, and placing additional financial burdens on consumers.

He said, “The people of Oyo State deserve freedom from multiple taxation and the crude means of collecting road taxes currently being experienced across the state.”

The APC governorship candidate explained that the proposed Tax Harmonisation Law was designed to streamline tax administration across state and local government levels, eliminate arbitrary collections and check the activities of unauthorised revenue collectors.

He maintained that the legislation would provide a more transparent and coordinated tax system while protecting residents and businesses from multiple taxation.

Alli accused the Makinde administration of failing to demonstrate sufficient commitment to the domestication of the law, despite what he described as the urgent need to address the challenges confronting farmers, traders and other economic operators.

He argued that the continued absence of the legislation had allowed unauthorised collections to persist, leaving business owners and ordinary residents vulnerable to multiple levies.

The senator also claimed that some other states had already passed the legislation, while others were taking steps to complete the process.

He therefore urged the state government to take immediate legislative action to ensure that Oyo residents were not subjected to unauthorised revenue demands.

Alli, however, pledged that if elected governor, his administration would ensure the passage of the Tax Harmonisation Law within its first 100 days in office.

He said his proposed administration would prioritise a tax framework that protects farmers, transporters, traders and consumers while creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

“The people of Oyo State deserve a tax system that protects farmers, transporters, business owners and consumers; a tax system that encourages businesses rather than burdens them, and promotes economic growth and prosperity,” he said.