By Damilare Adeleye
The Joint Revenue Board (JRB) has called for the accelerated harmonization of taxes across Nigeria, warning that fragmented systems are undermining efficiency and constraining revenue mobilization across all tiers of government.
This call was detailed in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the Board’s 159th meeting, held from April 20 to 22, 2026, in Victoria Island, Lagos.
According to the communiqué signed by the Chairman of the Board, Zacch Adedeji and the Executive Secretary, Olusegun Adesokan, members deliberated on strategies to strengthen tax administration and promote fiscal coherence nationwide.
The Board noted that disjointed tax practices remain a major impediment to effective revenue generation.
“The Board acknowledges that fragmented tax administration practices continue to undermine operational efficiency, increase compliance challenges, and constrain effective revenue mobilization,” the communiqué read in part.
The JRB disclosed that members reviewed ongoing nationwide harmonization initiatives, particularly the Model Taxes and Levies Harmonization Law, stressing the urgency of its adoption across all states.
To address existing inconsistencies, the Board resolved to intensify efforts toward the uniform implementation of tax laws and administrative processes.
“The Board resolved to intensify efforts toward achieving coherence in the implementation of tax laws, policies, and administrative practices across the nation.”
“Particular emphasis will be placed on revenue mobilization and distribution processes, while promoting the adoption of uniform frameworks and standards to enhance consistency and reduce inefficiencies,” the communiqué added.
The Board also highlighted the need for stronger institutional capacity at the sub-national level, advocating for the deployment of modern tools and sustained training programs for tax authorities.
The JRB further commended a recent collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) aimed at eliminating illegal revenue collectors along transport corridors nationwide.
“The Board applauds the decision of the Nigeria Police Force to collaborate toward the eradication of illegal revenue collectors and non-state actors from the nation’s transport corridors, and the establishment of a central enforcement framework that will be replicated at the sub-national level,” the statement noted.
The Board pledged to enhance inter-agency collaboration, improve information sharing, and deploy technology to optimize domestic revenue mobilization.
It stressed that sustained engagement with taxpayers is critical to improving compliance and rebuilding trust in the fiscal system.
“The Board identified the need for sustained stakeholder engagement and clear communication with taxpayers as critical to building trust, enhancing confidence, and improving voluntary compliance,” the JRB stated.
Reaffirming its commitment to reform, the JRB maintained that it would continue to promote transparency and fairness in tax administration.
As the body responsible for harmonizing tax policy across federating units, the JRB has long pushed for a single harmonized tax framework to reduce the burden of multiple taxation on businesses.