Edo NMA Hails Okpebholo’s Revenue Reform, Says New Law Could Free Hospitals From Tax Burden

Kingsley Ohens reporting

BENIN CITY, Edo State — The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Edo State Branch, has applauded the enactment of the Edo State Revenue Consolidation Account (Establishment and Operation) Law, 2026, describing the legislation as a potentially transformative reform capable of ending multiple taxation, curbing unauthorised revenue collection and creating a more predictable operating environment for healthcare providers across the state.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of Edo NMA, Dr. Andrew Oseghale Eigbedion, and the Public Relations Officer, Dr. Alari-Enoma Edosa, the Association said the new law could mark a significant turning point in the state’s revenue administration, particularly for private medical practitioners who have faced growing financial obligations arising from multiple taxes, levies and regulatory charges.

The Association expressed particular interest in provisions of the law directing Ministries, Departments, Agencies and Parastatals to discontinue the operation of separate revenue accounts and centralise the custody and management of government revenues.

It also welcomed the provision placing revenue enforcement activities under the coordination and supervision of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS).

According to Edo NMA, the development aligns with concerns raised at its World Press Conference on August 2, 2026, where Dr. Eigbedion drew attention to the financial pressures confronting private healthcare providers across Edo State.

The NMA Chairman had called for the harmonisation of taxes, levies and regulatory charges affecting private hospitals, warning that a fragmented revenue collection system could expose legitimate healthcare facilities to multiple demands from different government agencies.

Edo NMA noted that every unnecessary financial burden imposed on a healthcare facility has the potential to reduce the resources available for critical investments in medical equipment, medicines, personnel, infrastructure, diagnostic services and emergency preparedness.

The Association therefore described the government’s latest policy direction as a welcome development and a potential turning point for the healthcare sector.

It said a centralised, transparent and properly coordinated revenue system could eliminate the confusion associated with multiple collection points while reducing opportunities for arbitrary enforcement, unauthorised levies and other forms of revenue-related abuse.

Edo NMA particularly welcomed the government’s position that the EIRS is responsible for driving and supervising revenue collection in the state, stressing that proper enforcement of the provision would provide greater clarity for businesses and healthcare providers.

The Association, however, cautioned that the real test of the new law would be its implementation.

It urged all Ministries, Departments, Agencies and Parastatals to comply fully with the new legal framework and desist from practices capable of frustrating its objectives.

The NMA equally advised private medical practitioners to remain law-abiding while demanding proper documentation and lawful justification for any revenue-related obligation imposed on their facilities.

It further encouraged healthcare providers to promptly report questionable or unauthorised financial demands to the appropriate authorities and the Association.

Commending the Edo State Government under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, Edo NMA said the reform has the potential to strengthen fiscal discipline, improve transparency and protect citizens and businesses from exploitative revenue practices.

For the Association, however, the significance of the legislation goes beyond government revenue.

It is also about creating an environment where legitimate healthcare providers can operate without being suffocated by avoidable financial burdens and can redirect more resources towards the delivery of quality healthcare.

Edo NMA said it looks forward to constructive engagement with the Edo State Government and the EIRS to ensure that the law achieves its intended purpose of establishing a transparent, accountable and predictable revenue system that supports rather than undermines healthcare delivery and legitimate enterprise.

Reiterating the warning issued by Dr. Eigbedion at the Association’s August 2 World Press Conference, Edo NMA maintained that revenue policies must not undermine the sustainability of healthcare institutions.

The Association expressed optimism that the new Revenue Consolidation Law could provide the framework needed to address longstanding concerns surrounding multiple taxation and unauthorised revenue collection while strengthening the relationship between government and healthcare providers in Edo State.