By DAYO ADESULU
Motorists and taxpayers across Nigeria have received major relief following the decision of the Joint Revenue Board (JRB) to abolish the use of road stickers nationwide with immediate effect. The landmark move is aimed at ending years of harassment, extortion, and illegal tax collections along the country’s highways and urban roads.
The Joint Revenue Board, Nigeria’s apex coordinating body for revenue authorities, announced the decision in a communiqué issued after its 158th meeting held on December 9 and 10, 2025, at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. The meeting brought together key stakeholders in Nigeria’s revenue administration system to review ongoing tax reforms and address challenges undermining efficient revenue collection.
Decision Backed by Broad Revenue and Security Institutions
The JRB comprises major revenue and regulatory agencies, including the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), State and Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Services, Nigerian Customs Service, Nigerian Immigration Service, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
In the communiqué jointly signed by the Chairman of the Board, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, and the Executive Secretary, Mr. Olusegun Adesokan, the Board reaffirmed its resolve to dismantle illegal revenue practices carried out by unauthorised individuals and groups operating outside Nigeria’s formal tax administration framework.
Crackdown on Illegal Roadblocks and Non-State Actors
A central aspect of the JRB’s resolution is the outright condemnation of illegal roadblocks mounted by non-state actors for the purpose of collecting taxes, levies, rates, and charges from motorists. According to the Board, such practices undermine public confidence in the tax system and distort legitimate revenue administration, particularly at the sub-national level.
The JRB called on the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies to take immediate and decisive action to dismantle these illegal roadblocks across the country. It stressed that only duly authorised tax collection mechanisms recognised by law should be allowed to operate.
In a strongly worded section of the communiqué, the Board reiterated its commitment to eliminating non-state actors from Nigeria’s revenue administration value chain, noting that their activities fuel corruption, insecurity, and economic inefficiency.
End to Design, Production, and Enforcement of Road Stickers
Beyond dismantling illegal roadblocks, the Board announced the total abolition of the design, production, issuance, and enforcement of all forms of road stickers and related instruments. This directive applies to both state and non-state actors, leaving no ambiguity about its nationwide scope.
The JRB encouraged Nigerians to resist any attempt to impose road stickers on them and to promptly report offenders to security agencies for appropriate sanctions. According to the Board, continued enforcement of road stickers contradicts the principles of transparency, accountability, and harmonisation underpinning the ongoing national tax reforms.
For years, motorists have complained about multiple stickers demanded by different agencies and groups, often without clear legal backing. The new directive seeks to eliminate such duplication and abuse.
Push for Harmonised Taxes and Levies Nationwide
In line with its reform agenda, the Joint Revenue Board urged state governments to fast-track the passage of the Harmonised Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Bill into law. The legislation is designed to ensure uniform application of taxes, rates, and levies across states and local governments.
The Board noted that harmonisation would reduce confusion among taxpayers, curb multiple taxation, and align sub-national tax practices with national fiscal objectives. It also emphasised that consistency in tax administration is critical for improving Nigeria’s investment climate and ease of doing business.
Commendation of Federal Government’s Tax Reforms
The JRB commended the Federal Government for its ongoing fiscal policy and tax reforms, describing them as vital to enhancing revenue mobilisation and promoting economic competitiveness. According to the Board, the reforms also hold strong potential for deepening fiscal sustainability and strengthening public finance management across all tiers of government.
It further praised the formal transition of the Joint Tax Board into the Joint Revenue Board, describing the change as a significant milestone toward a more coordinated, efficient, and coherent national revenue administration framework.
What the Decision Means for Nigerians
For everyday Nigerians, especially commercial drivers and small business owners, the abolition of road stickers represents a major step toward reducing the cost and stress of road transportation. It also signals stronger government resolve to protect taxpayers from extortion and unlawful revenue practices.
As enforcement begins, motorists are expected to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and report any attempt to violate the new directive. The JRB insists that sustained public cooperation will be critical to the success of the reform.
With this move, the Board has drawn a clear line between lawful taxation and illegal revenue collection, setting the stage for a cleaner, fairer, and more transparent tax system nationwide.
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