Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has ordered the immediate cessation of daily taxation imposed on vulnerable traders, including hawkers and those operating without shops.
The directive was conveyed to stakeholders during a meeting on the clarification and harmonisation of revenue collection in markets across the state.
At the meeting, organised by the State Internal Revenue Service at the Old Government Lodge, Enugu, Mbah — represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia — described the affected category of traders as vulnerable and in need of protection.
To ensure strict enforcement of the order, the governor announced the establishment of a task force to monitor compliance and prevent any violations by government officials or agents.
Mbah declared that the collection of such daily tolls is henceforth illegal, warning that anyone found flouting the directive would face the full weight of the law.
He specifically cautioned against the collection of N100 or N200 levies from petty traders, whether on behalf of the government or by individuals, stressing that offenders would be prosecuted.
The governor also tasked local government chairmen, traditional rulers, market leaders, and Presidents-General of town unions to report any breaches to the task force.
However, he clarified that the directive does not affect traders operating in lock-up shops, who are required to pay annual levies of N30,000 for street shops and N36,000 for market stalls.
Mbah emphasised that his administration opposes any action that worsens the economic hardship faced by citizens.
In his remarks, the state Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Okechukwu Edeh, assured that council chairmen across the state would comply fully with the new directive.
