Businesses Say Multiple Levies Persist Despite Tinubu’s Tax Reforms

Despite Nigeria’s tax reforms taking effect in January 2026, many businesses say they are still facing overlapping taxes, levies and regulatory charges from federal, state and local authorities. A recent business survey found that 70.8% of respondents consider high and multiple taxation their biggest operating challenge, ahead of insecurity and high interest rates. Business groups say some firms face as many as 20 separate charges yearly, including permits, sanitation fees, signage charges, waste levies and local government operating fees. Tax experts say the reforms cannot deliver full relief until states properly adopt and enforce them. The Joint Revenue Board has banned road levies collected through checkpoints and the use of road stickers, but transporters and small businesses say unofficial collections still persist in several areas. Small businesses are especially affected because many cannot easily verify which demands are lawful or challenge agencies that threaten to seal their premises. Entrepreneurs want clearer payment rules, stronger enforcement and an end to duplicate collections that raise costs and discourage business expansion.

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