MAN URGES LAGOS TO HARMONISE TAX CODE

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has urged the Lagos State Government to publish a harmonised tax code aligned with the country’s new tax laws, saying the move would reduce compliance costs and uncertainty for manufacturers.

Speaking at the 55th Annual General Meeting of MAN’s Apapa Branch in Lagos, the association’s President, Francis Meshioye, called for stronger safeguards against multiple taxation and levies under the new tax regime.

Meshioye proposed a system with a single authority responsible for assessing manufacturers and one payment portal through which businesses could settle their tax obligations.

He said manufacturers operating in industrial and trade corridors such as Apapa currently face demands from multiple government agencies and levels of administration, creating additional costs and uncertainty for businesses.

The MAN president said the 2025 Tax Law provided an opportunity to simplify and digitise tax administration, but stressed that deliberate measures were needed to ensure manufacturers benefited from the reforms.

He also called for a “No-Tout Zone” policy covering Apapa, Amuwo-Odofin and Kirikiri to prevent illegal levies and unauthorised collections along major industrial and port corridors.

Meshioye further urged the Lagos Government to collaborate with the Nigerian Ports Authority and Nigerian Shippers’ Council to establish a single bill for port-related charges.

He said harmonising taxes and charges would improve the business environment, reduce compliance burdens and support the competitiveness of manufacturers operating in Lagos.

The call comes as Lagos State continues efforts to harmonise its tax and levy structure, with the state House of Assembly also considering legislation aimed at coordinating taxation between state and local governments.