The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has suspended tax payments for heavy duty loading and offloading in the transport sector.
The State Government, transport operators, and other key stakeholders met at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women’s Development Center in Awka to brainstorm and agree on the new modalities.
Governor Soludo also approved weekly payments applicable to tricycle (keke), shuttle buses and other transport operators.
While keke operators will now pay N2,500 per week or N10,000 per month, shuttle bus drivers will pay N3000 per week or N12,000 per month and Mini Truck drivers will pay N3,750 per week or N15,000 per month.
Motorcycle riders (Okada) are to start paying N1000 per week or N4000 per month, while taxi drivers will now pay N3,000 per week or N12,000 per month.
Governor Soludo also stressed that he understood their concerns raised regarding rate reduction, mode of payment (daily or weekly), and the issue of multiple taxes.
He assured them that his government is determined to institute a progressive tax system because APGA is a party for the common man.
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“This Government will protect and promote the common man’s interests.” To make the system more equitable, we are working on comprehensive tax reform.
“Tax collection from hawkers, wheelbarrow pushers, and vulcanizers is prohibited in Anambra State.
“As a progressive government, we are determined to ensure that the poor are not burdened by taxes and that the wealthy pay their fair share. The truth is that you are paying more than your fair share,” Governor Soludo emphasized.
“I understand what you’re going through; I feel and touch it, and that’s why we’re going all out to declare a total emergency on state roads to alleviate your suffering.”
“It is true that the government requires funds!” There is no such thing as a society that has developed without people paying taxes. Last year, Anambra’s total tax contribution as revenue was barely N20 billion, which is insufficient for the massive road construction we have begun, let alone other sectors.
The Governor assured that technology will be deployed to collect daily taxes in accordance with their demands, but that it will take some time to be implemented. He maintained that it is the only way to avoid returning to the old ways of touts and unions.
Earlier, Chairman of the Anambra Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Richard Madiebo revealed that the state government met with members of the Anambra Transport Union on 10th January, 2023 where their many complaints and ideas were shared.
He stated that the present government is a listening government and that stakeholders would always interact for the benefit of the state.
Mr. Madiebo revealed that some transport operators complained about rate reductions, while others said they wanted to pay on a daily basis, and still others complained about touts.
He stated that the meeting’s purpose is to listen to more people so that adequate feedback can be obtained.