The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has raised concerns over multiple taxation in the state and constituted an ad hoc committee to investigate the practice and its impact on businesses and residents.

The Speaker of the House, Dr Danladi Jatau, raised the issue while responding to a matter of public importance presented by Mr Daniel Oga Ogazi during plenary in Lafia.

Jatau said multiple taxation was negatively affecting businesses and the livelihoods of residents, urging the state government to ensure the full implementation of the State Revenue Harmonisation Law.

He subsequently constituted a six-member ad hoc committee to ascertain the number of consultants involved in revenue collection and examine the implementation of the revenue harmonisation law.

The committee is chaired by Mr Hudu A. Hudu, with Ogazi, Mr Solomon Yakubu-Akwashiki, Mr Jonah Ali-Dizaho and Dr Hajara Danyaro-Ibrahim as members. Mr Aluma Joseph, Secretary of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, is to serve as secretary.

The Speaker directed the committee to investigate revenue collection in the Mararaba axis of Karu Local Government Area and surrounding communities, particularly whether businesses in border areas were paying revenues to Nasarawa State or other jurisdictions.

He directed the committee to submit its report within two weeks.

Earlier, Ogazi, who represents Kokona East Constituency, said business operators had complained about paying multiple taxes, adding that the situation was increasing hardship amid prevailing economic conditions.

He cited the case of a private school proprietor who, according to him, complained of paying as many as 23 different taxes.

Ogazi called on the State Revenue Service and other relevant authorities to address the problem and ensure that businesses were not subjected to unnecessary duplication of taxes and levies.

Contributing to the debate, several lawmakers supported the motion and expressed concern that multiple taxation could discourage investment and force businesses to close.

The lawmakers called on the state and local governments to ensure full implementation of the Revenue Harmonisation Law in order to streamline revenue collection and create a more predictable environment for businesses.

The investigation is expected to establish the extent of multiple taxation in the state and recommend measures to improve compliance with the existing revenue framework.