Oborevwori Pushes Tax Reform, Judicial Appointments Before Delta Assembly
Tax Law Repeal Proposal Before Assembly
GOVERNOR Sheriff Oborevwori has asked the Delta State House of Assembly to approve a bill that would repeal the state’s Internal Revenue Service Law of 2020 and replace it with a harmonised taxation framework consistent with federal reforms.
The request was contained in a letter read during Wednesday’s plenary session by the Speaker, Mr. Dennis Guwor. The governor said the move was necessitated by the implementation of the Federal Government’s Tax Reform Laws of 2025, which mandate states to align their revenue and tax laws with the new national framework.
Creating a Unified Tax System
Oborevwori explained that the proposed Internal Revenue Service, Harmonised Taxes and Levies Law seeks to merge the existing 2020 law with applicable provisions of the 2025 reforms into a single, coherent statute.
According to him, the consolidation would streamline tax administration in Delta State, making it easier for businesses and individuals to understand their tax obligations while improving compliance and enforcement.
He noted that having all taxation and revenue-related provisions under one law would enhance efficiency, reduce ambiguity, and strengthen the overall tax administration architecture of the state.
Boosting Ease of Doing Business
The governor emphasised that harmonising state tax laws with federal standards would promote uniformity across Nigeria’s tax system, reduce compliance costs, and address long-standing complaints of multiple taxation.
He added that the reform would eliminate regulatory overlaps and ensure that businesses operating in the state are not subjected to conflicting tax demands from different authorities.
According to Oborevwori, these measures are essential to improving the business environment in Delta State and attracting investment.
Judicial Service Commission Appointments
In addition to the tax reform bill, the governor also forwarded a separate letter to the Assembly containing the names of nominees for appointment into the Delta State Judicial Service Commission.
The nominees are Mr. Joseph Ojo, representing the Nigerian Bar Association; Chief James Obeuwou; and Mr. Fun-Ebi Edoyabo, both representing Delta South Senatorial District.
The governor explained that the nominations were necessitated by the expiration of the tenure of three of the four non-ex-officio members of the commission, in accordance with constitutional requirements.
Next Legislative Steps
Speaker Guwor directed the nominees to submit 35 copies of their curriculum vitae to the Clerk of the House on or before 10 February. He also announced that the screening and confirmation exercise would be conducted on 11 February.
The Assembly is expected to deliberate on both the proposed tax harmonisation bill and the judicial nominations in the coming days.
