The Anambra State House of Assembly has passed a bill prescribing strict penalties for individuals involved in illegal roadblocks and unauthorized collection of taxes and levies across the state.
The bill, titled Anambra State Taxes, Levies and Presumptive Tax (Approved List for Collection) Law, 2025, provides that any person who mounts or causes a roadblock to be mounted for the purpose of collecting fees or levies in violation of Sections 52 and 53 of the law commits an offence. Offenders, upon conviction, face a fine of up to N2 million, a two-year prison term, or both.
The legislation, which is expected to take effect from January 1, 2026, was considered and adopted during deliberations at the Committee of the Whole. It is aimed at addressing the challenges of multiple taxation and illegal revenue collection practices within the state.
According to the provisions of the bill, the law promotes the adoption of electronic payment systems to improve accountability, transparency, voluntary compliance, and effective revenue tracking. It also seeks to block revenue leakages and curb illegal tax-related activities, including roadblocks mounted by unauthorized tax agents and non-state actors.
The proposed law is designed to create a transparent, technology-driven, and harmonized tax administration framework at the sub-national level, aligning with national efforts toward a simplified and streamlined tax regime.
Following the deliberations, the Speaker of the House read the bill for the third time, after which it was passed through a voice vote.
