Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, Governor of Anambra State, has approved weekly payments instead of monthly ones, temporarily suspended tax payments for heavy duty, loading, offloading, and commerce, and slashed the tax rate that transport operators must pay.
According to report by solutionreporters, the State Government, Transportation Operators, and other key stakeholders met at the Dr. Dora Akunyili Women Development Center in Awka to discuss these new rules in the transportation tax system.
Keke operators will now pay N2500 per week or N10,000 per month, Shuttle Bus drivers N3000 per week or N12,000 per month, Mini Truck drivers N3750 per week or N15,000 per month, Okada drivers N1000 per week or N4000 per month, and Taxi drivers N3000 per week or N12,000 per month.
The Governor stated that the meeting was called to inform them that he had heard their complaints about the method of tax collection.
He also stated that he understands the 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 have a progressive tax system because APGA is a party for the common man!
“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 has been prohibited.
“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 you should,” 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.
“Nobody likes paying taxes, but we’ve started a tax revolution. Our main challenge is being harassed by touts and being taxed multiple times. “The vast majority of what you pay goes into private pockets and never reaches the government,” Soludo explained.
“We called this meeting because some of the things we designed to work aren’t working as well as we hoped.”
“When we organized open bidding for concessions, we agreed that old prices would remain the same, but operators are complaining about price increases that are not part of the agreement, so it’s a major concern,” Soludo said.
“We want unions, but only unions of operators.” This will be possible once your enumeration is complete. The government will come and supervise your election, after which you will be able to choose your chairman for a specific term.
“We want to do away with professional lifetime unions! A union without a bus, shuttle, or keke Unions must be run by operators, according to Soludo.
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 claims that this is the only way to avoid returning to the old ways of touts and unions.
He stated that his government is working on developing a progressive, simplified tax system free of multiple taxation as well as deploying technology to completely eliminate taxes.
“We’re putting together an implementation enforcement team and a help desk. Send a picture and video evidence if you have any information. We will make it go viral in order to apprehend the perpetrators.
“There will be phone numbers of enforcement agencies provided so that people can communicate and file complaints on whatever challenges they are facing,” he said.
Soludo urged transport operators to include waste bins in their vehicles so that passengers could dispose of dirt in the bins, thereby assisting the government in keeping Anambra clean.
Mr. Richard Madiebo, Chairman of the Anambra Internal Revenue Service, revealed that he met with members of the Anambra Transport Union last week and that there were many complaints and ideas.
He stated that the government is a listening government and that stakeholders would interact for the benefit of the state.
Mr. Madiebo revealed that some transport operators complained about rate reductions, 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.
The meeting was attended by Prof Solo Chukwulobelu, Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Uche Okafor, Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly, Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, Commissioner for Special Duties Sir Paul Nwosu, Commissioner for Information, Engr. Cele Anere, MD Ocha Brigade, Ms Chiamaka Nnake, Commissioner for Budget & Economic Planning, AVM Ben Chiobi (Rtd.), Special Adviser on Security, Mrs. Patricia Igwebuike, Commissioner for Transport, Mr Foster Ihejiofor, Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon Okoye, Youth Leader ASATU, Mr. Bob Manuel Udokwu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Culture and Entertainment, Mr Fred Agbata, MD ICT, Arc. Mike Okonkwo, Chairman Anambra Urban Regeneration Council amongst others.
