CHRAN rejects A’bom taxes, levies bill at assembly public hearing
*Franklyn Isong
Etim Ekpimah
The Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has rejected the proposed Akwa Ibom State Taxes and Levies Bill, 2025, describing it as draconian, anti-people and oppressive.
CHRAN made its position known during a public hearing organised by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly on the Bill, which seeks to harmonise and consolidate the legal framework for taxes and levies in the state.
The Bill comprises 46 sections and one Schedule, divided into four parts. Part I provides for harmonised taxes and levies and outlines the objectives of the Bill, while Part II introduces a property tax regime. Part III focuses on taxes relating to lottery, betting, casino and other gaming activities, and Part IV contains miscellaneous provisions.
In its presentation, CHRAN argued that Sections 16 and 19 of the Bill would impose severe hardship on tenants, as taxes placed on property owners and landlords would inevitably be passed on to occupiers. The organisation also criticised Section 21(2), which it said promotes absentee landlordism by shifting landlords’ tax liabilities to tenants.
CHRAN further faulted the Bill for failing to distinguish between urban and rural properties, warning that even houses occupied by the poorest residents, including mud houses, would be taxed. According to the group, this contradicts the ARISE Agenda of the Akwa Ibom State Government, which portrays Governor Umo Eno as a champion of the poor.
The organisation expressed concern that items listed in the Schedule to the Bill could cripple the private sector, noting that the legislation is overly rigid and focused solely on revenue generation, with no reliefs for citizens. It added that Akwa Ibom State remains largely a civil service-driven economy, with few functional industries, and that private businesses already struggle due to poor electricity supply, lack of water and inadequate infrastructure.
CHRAN also raised concerns about what it described as ambiguous and potentially dangerous provisions in the Bill, particularly the use of the term “enforcement” in Section 28(2), which it said is not defined in the interpretation section. The group warned that the provision could lead to arbitrary actions, including the seizure of property.
According to CHRAN, Section 28 of the Bill imposes harsh penalties for default in payment of property tax, with charges increasing by up to 100 per cent after 135 days. It noted that a ₦100,000 assessment could rise to ₦200,000, with properties liable to enforcement action by the Akwa Ibom State Internal Revenue Service if payment is not made.
The organisation further argued that the Bill violates Section 43 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees Nigerians the right to own property, as well as provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
In its conclusion, CHRAN rejected the Bill in its entirety and urged members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to halt further consideration of the proposed law. The group recalled that a similar Bill presented in 2016 was rejected by residents of the state.
CHRAN, however, commended the Speaker, leadership and members of the House for inviting stakeholders to the public hearing.
