In a sweeping reform aimed at modernizing revenue administration and protecting motorists, Nigeria has officially outlawed the collection of road taxes through roadside checkpoints and stickers, marking a major milestone in the country’s 2026 tax reform agenda.
The decision which was announced by the Joint Revenue Board (JRB), prohibits all forms of roadside levies previously imposed on drivers across federal and state highways. Security agencies have been directed to dismantle illegal checkpoints and enforce full compliance nationwide.
For decades, motorists and transport operators grappled with multiple, and often inconsistent, roadside charges collected under different names by various agencies. The system, widely criticized for enabling harassment and corruption, created confusion and discouraged voluntary tax compliance.
With the new directive now in force, road tax stickers and checkpoint-based collections are no longer recognized under Nigerian law. The reform forms part of the broader fiscal restructuring introduced in 2026 to harmonize tax administration and eliminate multiple taxation.
According to the JRB, the move is designed to promote transparency, ease of doing business, and investor confidence while safeguarding citizens from unlawful collections.
Stakeholders say the ban represents more than administrative adjustment, it signals a shift toward developmental governance.
By eliminating roadside levies, the Federal Government aims at protecting motorists and transporters from extortion and undue harassment, streamlining tax collection under a centralized and technology-driven framework, improve revenue accountability and encouraging voluntary compliance through clarity and fairness
Transport unions and logistics operators have long argued that unpredictable checkpoint levies increased the cost of goods and services. Analysts believe the reform could help lower transportation overhead and positively impact supply chains nationwide.
In compliance to this new law, security agencies have been mandated to immediately remove illegal checkpoints and prosecute violators. Motorists are no longer required to stop or make payments related to road taxes on highways.
Authorities emphasized that while legitimate vehicle licensing and statutory fees remain valid under existing laws, any roadside demand for road tax payments is now unlawful.
The ban underscores Nigeria’s broader commitment to tax modernization and economic reform. By replacing fragmented roadside collections with a harmonized tax structure, the government hopes to build a system that is efficient, predictable, and growth-oriented.
Observers describe the policy as a “major win for motorists” and a strong signal that Nigeria is serious about aligning revenue generation with global best practices.
As implementation continues across states, citizens are encouraged to report illegal collections and cooperate with authorities to ensure full compliance.
With this reform, Nigeria takes a decisive step away from decades of roadside tax bottlenecks, and toward a more transparent and development-driven revenue system.
