MAN Urges Lagos to Harmonise Tax Code for Manufacturers

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called on the Lagos State Government to be the first to publish a harmonised tax code that aligns with the new tax laws, which took effect in January 2023. During the 55th Annual General Meeting of the association’s Apapa Branch, MAN President Francis Meshioye stated that this initiative would significantly reduce compliance costs for manufacturers.

He advocated for stronger safeguards against multiple taxation and levies, urging the government to implement a single system for tax assessment and payment to eliminate duplication across various government agencies. Meshioye highlighted the challenges faced by manufacturers in Apapa, where multiple agencies impose taxes on goods transported from the port.

He also proposed a “No-Tout Zone” policy to protect legitimate revenue collection and called for collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to create a unified bill for port-related charges. Meshioye emphasized that the taxes paid by manufacturers should translate into improved infrastructure and security.