The Benue State Revenue Service (Consolidation and Harmonization) Bill, 2025, a proposed law aimed at fortifying and reorganizing the state’s tax administration system, was the subject of a public hearing held by the Benue State House of Assembly on Monday.
If the bill is approved, it will replace the State Internal Revenue Administration Law, 2022 (as amended) with the Benue State Revenue Service Establishment Law, 2025.
The exercise was prompted by the implementation of the new Federal Government Tax Law, which went into effect on January 1, 2026, according to Speaker of the House Rt. Hon. Berger Alfred Emberga, MNIQS, who was represented by Majority Chief Whip Hon. Cyril Ikong (Oju II State Constituency).
He emphasized that updating the state’s revenue law would ensure that funds are appropriately directed toward priority sectors like health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure development. He stated that the revised tax regime is anticipated to increase revenue generation and promote efficient public expenditure.
The bill was designed to address long-standing problems with the state’s tax system, such as multiple taxation, overlapping responsibilities among tax authorities, unclear tax requirements, and administrative lapses, according to Hon. Dr. Mathew Damkor, Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Finance.
According to Damkor, the proposed law aims to establish a unified, transparent, and streamlined tax system that would benefit the government, taxpayers, and business community—with a focus on small and medium-sized businesses.
He claims that a harmonized revenue system would improve the ease of doing business in Benue State, lessen confusion, lower compliance costs, and encourage voluntary tax payment.
He continued by saying that the purpose of the public hearing was to guarantee shared ownership of the reform process, promote extensive participation, and stimulate input from stakeholders.
“Stakeholder input will help ensure that the final law reflects realities on the ground and serves the best interest of the people of Benue State,” he stated.
Representatives from tertiary institutions, ministries, departments, and agencies, local government councils, the courts, legislators, business associations, financial experts, senior government officials, and traditional rulers were among those who attended the hearing.