By Peter Ogege
The Delta State House of Assembly on Tuesday took a decisive step towards reforming the State’s tax system as the Internal Revenue Service Consolidated Bill 2026 successfully scaled second reading during plenary.
The bill, which seeks to harmonize taxes and levies and establish a unified legal framework for revenue collection, came under legislative scrutiny on the floor of the House, presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor.
Leading the debate, the House Leader and member representing Aniocha North, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, explained that the proposed legislation aims to repeal existing tax laws and replace them with a consolidated framework that simplifies tax administration. He emphasized that the reform would align Delta State’s tax structure with the Federal Government’s new tax regime.
“This bill is designed to eliminate the burden of multiple taxation on our people and businesses,” Nwaobi stated. “By harmonizing the various levies into a single, transparent system, we are creating a business-friendly environment that will attract investment and stimulate economic growth.”
Nwaobi further highlighted the seven component parts of the bill, noting that its passage would domesticate the national tax reforms within Delta State and ensure compliance with the Tax Reform Laws of 2025.
Some Lawmakers who spoke in strong support of the bill included the Chief Whip and member representing Sapele, Honourables Perkins Umukoro; Charles Emetulu; Marilyn Okowa-Daramola; James Augoye; and Frank Esenwah.
The legislators unanimously agreed that the proposed law would not only boost economic activities, but also improve internally generated revenue (IGR), and create a more efficient tax system.
“A unified tax structure will remove confusion, reduce compliance costs, and encourage more businesses to operate within the formal economy,” Umukoro noted. “This is a critical step toward strengthening the state’s revenue base.”
Following deliberations, the bill received unanimous support through a voice vote as the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Guwor subsequently referred it to the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation for further legislative scrutiny.
The bill was earlier transmitted to the Assembly by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who seeks to repeal outdated revenue laws so as to align with the newly enacted national tax reforms.
“Our goal is to create a modern, transparent, and efficient revenue system that supports development while easing the burden on taxpayers,” the governor said in a letter to the House.
If passed into law, the Internal Revenue Service Consolidated Bill 2026 is expected to mark a major shift from multiple taxation to a unified system, positioning Delta State as a more attractive destination for investment and economic expansion.
