Gov Mbah’s tax reforms eliminate multiple, illegal taxation — legal expert
Aja told newsmen in Enugu on Tuesday that the reforms had restored “sanity, transparency and accountability” to the state’s revenue collection system.
According to him, prior to the current administration, revenue collection in parts of the state had degenerated into what he described as “organised exploitation,” carried out through unauthorised individuals and groups operating illegal collection points across markets, highways and motor parks.
He alleged that commercial bus operators, private motorists, hawkers, wheelbarrow pushers and traders were routinely subjected to arbitrary levies and extortion by revenue gangs acting without lawful authority.
Aja said the emergence of Governor Mbah marked a decisive shift from what he called the old order, adding that the administration introduced policies designed to ensure taxation remained lawful, transparent and economically productive.
He listed the abolition of arbitrary levies, including multiple tolls on agricultural produce along highways, as one of the key outcomes of the reforms.
“Farmers, who previously faced harassment from illegal revenue collectors, can now transport their goods freely, leading to reduced food costs, improved rural productivity and renewed confidence in agriculture,” he said.
The legal expert further stated that the government had harmonised taxes and levies, shut down unauthorised collection points and criminalised illegal revenue activities across the state.
“No longer can individuals or groups arrogate to themselves the power of the state,” he said.
He added that the administration had introduced a centralised and transparent revenue collection system, where payments are made through recognised channels directly into government accounts.
Aja said the reforms had made revenue collection more structured, traceable and accountable, while also allowing taxpayers to seek clarification on how public funds are utilised.
He said petty traders, hawkers and low-income earners, who were previously the worst affected by arbitrary collections, are now protected under the new system through lawful and minimal levies where applicable.
He also highlighted the establishment of complaint and redress mechanisms, which allow residents to report illegal collections and challenge questionable tax assessments.
Aja alleged that many of those criticising the reforms were beneficiaries of the former chaotic system and had lost illegal sources of income due to the new measures.
“What they label as over-taxation is, in truth, the loss of illegal privilege,” he said.
The legal expert maintained that the impact of the reforms was already visible across the state, pointing to improved infrastructure, enhanced urban order, greater ease of doing business and increased investor confidence.
He urged residents to distinguish between constructive political engagement and misinformation, insisting that the current administration had replaced extortion and opacity with legality and transparency.
“As one who has witnessed both eras, I submit without hesitation that these reforms are not only justified, they are indispensable to the future of Enugu State,” he said.
Aja concluded that Enugu State was not experiencing excessive taxation, but rather a more accountable and organised system of governance.
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