In a bid to foster tax clarity and ease the burden of multiple taxation on businesses, the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS) has engaged in strategic dialogue and sensitisation on Single Road Tax Stickers (SIRTS) and Single Haulage Fee (SHF) Initiative in one- day workshop organised by Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).

The Chairman OGIRS, Mr. Olugbenga Olaleye, during the workshop, themed: ’Sensitisation on Single Interstate Road Tax Stickers (SIRTS) and Single Haulage Fee (SHF) Initiative,’ in  Lagos, said the programme was designed to bring together key players from the manufacturing and revenue sectors to deliberate on the opportunities and challenges of implementing  the unified levies across States.

Mr. Olaleye, emphasised the benefits of SIRTS as a tool to promote ease of movement and curb extortion on Nigerian roads noting that the reforms were designed to streamline road tax administration and reduce the cost of doing business for transporters and manufacturers nationwide.

"The SIRTS initiative simplifies interstate road taxes by introducing annual payment for single sticker recognised across all states. This will reduce harassment, improve compliance, and make road transportation more business friendly," he affirmed.

He pointed out that the Single Haulage Fee (SHF) initiative was designed to cover loading and off- loading charges, hinting that the lack of uniformity in laws and rates among States had brought difficulties in the implementation.

" The true challenge lies in harmonising the activities of relevant States, Ministries,  Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Transport,  Commerce and Taxation, because without synergy and a unified framework,  SHF implementation will continue to face roadblocks, " he submitted.

Speaking, Director of Other Taxes, Mrs. Oluyomi Dawodu reiterated the pressing need for harmonisation in Nigeria's road tax system, stating that SIRTS and SHF initiatives represent major steps towards eliminating duplication of levies and promoting transparency,  with support from the Joint Tax Board (JTB) and State revenue agencies.

Also, Chairman, Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), Dr. Ayodele Subair, represented by Special Adviser, Mr. Tokunbo Akande, appreciated the organisers of the programme, said the essence of having SIRTS and SHF initiatives was to have a unified system that would be acceptable to all and sundry while urging all stakeholders to work effectively towards the full adoption of SIRTS and SHF as transformative tools for tax modernisation,  revenue transparency  and economic growth.