Ogun intensifies sensitisation on SIRTS, SHF initiative to streamline road taxes

As part of ongoing efforts to promote tax clarity and reduce the burden of multiple taxation on businesses, the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS) has embarked on a sensitisation campaign to raise awareness about the Single Interstate Road Tax Stickers (SIRTS) and Single Haulage Fee (SHF) initiative.

The engagement took place during a one-day workshop organised by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in Lagos.

Speaking at the event themed “Sensitisation on Single Interstate Road Tax Stickers (SIRTS) and Single Haulage Fee (SHF) Initiative”, OGIRS Chairman, Mr. Olugbenga Olaleye, explained that the initiative was designed to bring together stakeholders from both the manufacturing and revenue sectors to deliberate on the benefits and challenges of implementing unified levies across states.

Mr. Olaleye described the SIRTS programme as a strategic tool aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business, reducing extortion on highways, and streamlining road tax administration.

“The SIRTS initiative simplifies interstate road taxes through a single annual payment for a sticker recognised nationwide. This reform will reduce harassment on roads, boost compliance, and make road transportation more business-friendly,” he said.

He added that the SHF initiative was developed to harmonise loading and offloading fees, noting that discrepancies in legal frameworks and fee structures across states had posed significant challenges.

“The real challenge lies in harmonising the operations of relevant state ministries, departments, and agencies—including those in transport, commerce, and taxation. Without synergy and a unified legal framework, SHF implementation will continue to encounter roadblocks,” he stated.

Also speaking, the Director of Other Taxes at OGIRS, Mrs. Oluyomi Dawodu, echoed the need for nationwide harmonisation of the road tax system. She emphasised that the SIRTS and SHF initiatives, with backing from the Joint Tax Board (JTB) and state revenue agencies, represent major strides toward eliminating levy duplication and ensuring greater transparency.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), Dr. Ayodele Subair – represented by his Special Adviser, Mr. Tokunbo Akande – commended the organisers and reaffirmed the importance of a unified tax system.

He urged stakeholders to support full adoption of the SIRTS and SHF models, describing them as transformative instruments for tax modernisation, revenue transparency, and long-term economic growth.