MAN Urges Lagos to Harmonize Tax Code for Manufacturers

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) is calling on the Lagos State Government to lead the way by publishing a harmonized tax code that aligns with the nation's new tax laws. MAN believes this move would significantly slash compliance costs for manufacturers operating in the state.

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The 2025 Tax Law gives us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reset this. The law seeks to harmonise, digitise, and reduce friction. But for it to work for manufacturers, especially those in trade corridors like Apapa, we need deliberate safeguards

Francis Meshioye, President of MAN, speaking at the association's 55th Annual General Meeting in Apapa, Lagos, stressed the need for robust safeguards against the multiple taxation and levies manufacturers currently face. He urged Lagos to implement a single system for tax assessment and payment, which would eliminate duplication and reduce uncertainty across various government agencies.

"The 2025 Tax Law gives us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reset this. The law seeks to harmonise, digitise, and reduce friction. But for it to work for manufacturers, especially those in trade corridors like Apapa, we need deliberate safeguards," Meshioye stated. He specifically requested that Lagos publish a harmonized tax code, proposing "One entity to assess, one portal to pay." This, he argued, would substantially cut compliance costs for MAN members.

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We urge Lagos State to be the first to publish a harmonised tax code aligned with the new law. One entity to assess, one portal to pay. This will cut compliance cost significantly for our members

Meshioye highlighted the current burden of multiple taxes from federal, state, and local government levels, noting that a truck transporting raw materials in Apapa can be stopped by numerous agencies before reaching its destination. Beyond corporate tax, VAT, and state levies, this creates significant operational friction. MAN also advocated for a 'No-Tout Zone' policy in key industrial and port corridors to protect legitimate revenue collection from illegal levies by non-state actors. Furthermore, they proposed collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority and Nigerian Shippers' Council to create a single bill for port-related charges, preventing manufacturers from paying multiple fees for a single container.

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In Apapa, taxation comes from everywhere. A truck moving raw materials from the port to Amuwo Odofin can be stopped by multiple agencies before it gets to the factory gate. That is in addition to corporate tax, VAT, and state levies.

The association clarified that they are not seeking tax exemptions but want the taxes paid by manufacturers to translate into tangible improvements in infrastructure and security, such as motorable roads and effective drainage systems. Meshioye emphasized this as the "social contract" between the government and businesses. He also urged the Joint Revenue Board to ensure the new tax regime simplifies existing obligations rather than introducing new taxes.

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We are asking that the tax we pay translates to motorable roads, working drainage, and security in our clusters. That is the social contract