Enugu State Government suspends Toll collection from traders without lock-up shops, announces enforcement taskforces, and warns against illegal levies as part of reforms to protect vulnerable citizens.
The Enugu State Government has suspended the collection of market tolls from traders operating without lock-up shops across the state, in a move aimed at easing the burden on vulnerable citizens.
The directive was announced Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting on tax updates convened by the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service at the Old Government Lodge, Enugu.
Representing Governor Peter Mbah, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said the governor issued immediate instructions halting the collection of tolls from roadside traders and others without permanent shops.
He explained that the market toll refers to levies previously collected from traders operating without lock-up shops in markets across the state. According to him, the suspension aligns with the administration’s tax reforms designed to protect low-income earners.
“This means that this category of traders should not pay any revenue to government or to communities. They are being protected by government as vulnerable citizens,” Onyia said.
He directed local government chairmen, traditional rulers, President-Generals of town unions, and market leaders to ensure immediate enforcement within their jurisdictions, warning that anyone who continues to collect such levies would face sanctions.
Onyia clarified that the suspension does not apply to traders operating in lock-up shops, who currently pay annual rates of between ₦30,000 and ₦36,000.
He added that taskforces would be constituted at the local government level, headed by council chairmen, to enforce compliance. A state-level taskforce has also been established, chaired by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, with membership drawn from the Internal Revenue Service, Ministries of Finance and Trade and Investment, security officials, and other relevant government representatives.
While noting that the state still maintains its revenue targets for infrastructure development, Onyia said the administration remained committed to protecting vulnerable citizens from undue hardship. He also urged traders to report any continued collection of the suspended toll.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service, Dr. Emmanuel Ekene Nnamani, described the directive as a landmark decision and called on stakeholders to ensure full compliance.
He recalled the introduction of the e-ticketing revenue system by the state government, noting that its success depended on collaboration among government, local councils, traditional institutions, market associations, and other stakeholders.
Nnamani also addressed issues surrounding the new tax regime, urging residents to comply with mandatory tax filing requirements. He explained that filing does not necessarily imply tax payment but enables government to understand income sources and design targeted support for citizens.
He warned that failure to file tax returns, due by March 31 each year, could attract penalties, and encouraged local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and community leaders to lead by example.
“Tax is a partnership between government and the governed. Filing helps government develop solutions, especially for the vulnerable,” he said.
Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Igwe Samuel Asadu, welcomed the directive, describing it as a significant shift in governance aimed at protecting ordinary citizens.
“Today is a day to give thanks. It is a new day in Enugu State. This is a world-class approach,” he said, expressing gratitude to the governor on behalf of traditional rulers across the state.
“This is a new change, and there is nothing more I want to say other than thank you,” Asadu added.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria in the state, Mr. Sydney Okey Edeh, pledged that council chairmen would immediately implement the directive across their respective local government areas.
He noted that the issue of toll collection from roadside traders affects communities and local councils alike, urging mayors to ensure strict compliance.
The meeting was attended by the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Dr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo; Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Nathaniel Urama; local government chairmen; traditional rulers; Presidents-General; market leaders; and other senior government officials.
Participants expressed appreciation to the state government for suspending the toll and for measures aimed at protecting vulnerable traders.
Visit GMTNewsng for more news stories.
