Enugu launches scheme to end multiple taxes on commercial vehicles

The administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in Enugu State has taken a bold step towards promoting uniformity in the application of road tax laws in the state and across states to avoid double or multiple taxation(s).

Consequently, Ugwuanyi’s administration, through the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS), yesterday, launched the Single Inter State Road Stickers (SIRTS) and Single Haulage Fee (SHF) in the state.

Speaking during the launch of the scheme, the Executive Chairman of ESIRS, Prince Emeka Odo, disclosed that the exercise was in line with the initiative of the Joint Tax Board (JTB), which “the state government under Ugwuanyi has keyed into in the interest of Enugu tax payers.”

Odo explained that “the JTB, last year, introduced SHF at points of loading and off-loading in states of departure or discharge and SIRTS for any vehicle within Nigeria.”

The ESIRS Chairman announced that Ugwuanyi’s administration has approved and adopted the mandate with effect from January 1, 2023, revealing that Enugu “will now make use of a Single Inter State Sticker for all commercial vehicles that ply on its roads.”

Explaining the modalities, Odo said: “The SHF will be paid at the point of loading or off-loading of any type of goods anywhere in the state. These SIRTS and SHF are to be handled and enforced by the State Internal Revenue Service.”

“All motorists are expected to pay for SIRTS either at the point of registration/renewal of papers or with Enugu State approved consultant, while SHF will be paid per trip.”