Alli Accuses Makinde of Delaying Oyo Tax Harmonisation Law, Promises Passage Within 100 Days

The Oyo State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has urged Governor Seyi Makinde to facilitate the passage of the Tax Harmonisation Law, accusing his administration of failing to protect farmers, traders and business owners from multiple taxation and illegal revenue collection.

Alli said the absence of the legislation had allowed individuals allegedly operating as revenue agents to impose unauthorised levies on farm produce and other goods transported across the state.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Media and Publicity of the Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation, Bisi Oladele, the APC candidate expressed concern over reports of harassment and extortion of farmers conveying produce from Oyo North to Ibadan.

He also alleged that business owners transporting goods from Ibadan to other parts of the state were being made to pay multiple levies at roadblocks erected by the suspected illegal collectors.

According to him, the practice increases the cost of basic commodities and reduces the profits of farmers and small-scale business owners already struggling with rising operating expenses.

Alli said residents deserved relief from multiple taxation and what he described as crude methods of collecting road taxes under the present administration.

He argued that domesticating the Tax Harmonisation Law would help streamline tax collection across state and local government areas, eliminate arbitrary and unauthorised levies, and curb the activities of illegal collectors who harass motorists under the guise of revenue generation.

The APC candidate faulted Makinde’s administration for what he described as its lack of commitment to passing the legislation, despite the alleged impact of multiple taxation on citizens and businesses.

He further claimed that several states had already passed the law, while others were making efforts to complete the legislative process, accusing the Oyo State Government of lagging behind.

Alli, however, promised that if elected governor in 2027, his administration would ensure the passage of the Tax Harmonisation Law within its first 100 days in office.

He said Oyo State needed a tax system that protected farmers, transporters, traders and consumers, encouraged business activities and supported economic growth rather than placing additional burdens on residents.