WorldStage Newsonline– The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has urged seamless implementation of the Single Inter-State Road Tax Sticker (SIRTS) and Single Haulage Fee (SHF) initiatives to curb illegal road taxes and reduce the overall burden of multiple taxation on businesses across the country.
MAN Director-General, Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadir, made the call at a strategic dialogue workshop held on Wednesday in Lagos.
The event was with the theme: ‘Sensitisation on Single Inter-State Road Tax Sticker (SIRTS) and Single Haulage Fee (SHF) Initiative.’
The Joint Tax Board introduced SIRTS and SHF to eliminate double taxation and multiple stickers.
SIRTS is an electronic sticker, issued yearly during vehicle registration, which allows inter-state movement of goods and vehicles.
Experts say the scheme helps harmonise transport taxes, curbs extortion on highways, and cuts business operation costs.
Ajayi-Kadir described the initiatives as vital to improving Nigeria’s business environment and transport logistics.
He, however, expressed concerns over implementation challenges like multiple demands and vague payment procedures.
He also cited arbitrary enforcement by officers, which has caused delays, higher costs, and frustration for manufacturers.
Ajayi-Kadir stressed that manufacturers are willing to comply but are dissatisfied with the present implementation method.
He said: “We seek fairness and transparency in policies affecting industries.
“MAN will continue to engage stakeholders to resolve implementation issues and ensure mutual benefit.”
He advocated a collaborative approach to make SIRTS and SHF more business-friendly and efficient.
Dr Ayodele Subair, Chairman of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), highlighted the need for joint efforts among stakeholders.
Subair, represented by his Special Adviser, Mr Tokunbo Akande, listed the initiatives’ benefits for manufacturers.
He said the unified system would reduce operational costs, illegal levies, and improve goods delivery time.
Subair also noted benefits like better documentation, supply chain efficiency, and increased industry competitiveness.
However, he admitted there were still many implementation challenges to overcome.
“These include pushback from informal collectors and low awareness among transport operators.
“Other issues include poor coordination among state agencies and lack of digital enforcement tools,” he said.
To address this, Subair called for ongoing sensitisation involving MAN, unions, and enforcement agencies.
He also recommended strict penalties to deter illegal collections on highways.
“There must be better state cooperation under the Joint Tax Board and use of digital tools,” he said.
Subair reaffirmed LIRS’s dedication to collaborating with MAN and all relevant parties for success.
Mr Olugbenga Olaleye, Chairman of Ogun State Internal Revenue Service, said over 20 states had adopted SIRTS.
He said the initiative, if properly enforced, would lead to a transparent, harmonised tax system across states.
Olaleye added it would reduce illegal roadblocks, extortion, and restore trust in Nigeria’s road tax structure.
“With one SIRTS sticker from any state, inter-state access is granted nationwide,” he said.
He explained that the SHF is a trip-based fee paid between loading and offloading states, not based on contents.
Olaleye emphasised cooperation among ministries and agencies to ensure smooth revenue sharing and nationwide enforcement.
