The Ogun State Internal Revenue Service has announced that it will simplify interstate road taxes by implementing a Single Interstate Road Tax Sticker that is recognised across all states.
According to a statement, Chairman of OGIRS Olugbenga Olaleye, speaking during a one-day workshop organised by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria in Lagos, noted that the SIRTS initiative was designed to unify levies across states, reduce multiple taxation, and ease the burden on transporters and manufacturers. The workshop was themed ‘Sensitisation on Single Interstate Road Tax Stickers and Single Haulage Fee Initiative.’
Olaleye stated, “The SIRTS initiative simplifies interstate road taxes by introducing an annual payment for a single sticker recognised across all states. This will reduce harassment, improve compliance, and make road transportation more business-friendly.”
He noted that the programme, jointly backed by the Joint Tax Board and state revenue agencies, aims to improve the ease of doing business across Nigeria by streamlining road tax administration and minimising extortion on the highways.
Olaleye also explained that the SHF initiative was developed to cover loading and off-loading charges. He also highlighted the implementation hurdles caused by inconsistencies in regulations among states.
“The true challenge lies in harmonising the activities of relevant States, Ministries, Departments and Agencies; Transport, Commerce and Taxation, because without synergy and a unified framework, SHF implementation will continue to face roadblocks,” he remarked.
Director, Other Taxes at OGIRS, Mrs Oluyomi Dawodu, stressed the importance of harmonising Nigeria’s road tax system, saying both the SIRTS and SHF represent “major steps towards eliminating duplication of levies and promoting transparency.”
The Chairman of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, Dr Ayodele Subair, represented by his Special Adviser, Tokunbo Akande, commended the initiative, noting that the drive behind SIRTS and SHF was to create a unified system that would be accepted nationwide.
Akande urged all stakeholders to work towards full adoption of the initiatives as “transformative tools for tax modernisation, revenue transparency, and economic growth.”
The sensitisation session brought together key stakeholders from the manufacturing and public revenue sectors to address challenges and opportunities in aligning road transport levies across Nigeria.
