The Governor on Wednesday abolished the collection of taxes from income business owners, among them: Keke drivers, wheelbarrow pushers, hawkers and vulcanizers in order to minimise tax incidence for which his administration has been heavily criticised
GoldenNewsNg reports that Governor Soludo said the government is trying to minimise tax incidence on the people.
He said: “We are also trying to minimize tax incidence on our people. Keke Drivers who pay their taxes will be given free health insurance. People have forgotten that the government make use of taxes to work.
“This message must go to all markets in Anambra. Wheelbarrow pushers must not pay any fee in the state.
“Vulcanizers operating along the road should also cease from paying any fee to anyone.
“Hawkers shouldn’t pay any fees. These poor people should stop being harassed.
“This message is for the Market unions. If they are found with any evidence, that union will be dissolved with immediate effect.
“We want to build a society where the poor feel empowered and where the rich can get more resources to create wealth and employment, Soludo said.
“This is part of the revolution ongoing in the state. In this way, we have greater value for money.
In his ambition to ensure equal opportunity and transparency in revenue streams, Soludo had earlier in the day hosted a second public bid auction for revenue agents
The revenue streams that were put up for public bid included; Statewide Gaming and Lotto Fee Collection, Statewide Public Toilet and Convenient Tolls, Statewide Abbatoir Fees and Statewide Car Wash.
Soludo said the purpose of this is because a situation whereby the winner of the bid can’t meet up with a payment, the next in line will be called upon.
According to the Governor, after the first public bid, people called on saying they are ready to pay two months in advance of what the winners were meant to pay.
For these reasons and, for the revenue streams, November 1 will be the effective commencement date, he announced.
At the occasion, the chairman of Anambra Internal Revenue Service (AIRS), Mr Richard Madiebo stressed that the public bid affords Ndi Anambra the chance to contribute their expertise in helping the state to increase its IGR.
