The Niger State governor, Mohammed Bago has formally prohibited the taxation of hawkers and different petty merchants throughout the state.
This directive goals to alleviate the monetary burdens on small-scale merchants and curb unauthorized levies imposed on the native authorities stage.
The assertion was conveyed by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Mr. Bologi Ibrahim.
The governor expressed concern over the unfair taxation of petty merchants and directed all Native Authorities Council Chairmen and councillors to right away desist from such practices.
“We now have noticed with dismay how petty merchants and hawkers are being exploited with a number of taxes. As a authorities, now we have resolved that henceforth, no dealer, no petty dealer, ought to be taxed. Hawkers and petty merchants are tax-free in Niger. Subsequently, anyone discovered taxing them might be handled decisively for extortion,” he said.
The Governor emphasised that Niger State already operates a centralized tax system, which explicitly exempts hawkers and petty merchants from any type of taxation.
He condemned the exploitation of small merchants by a number of tax levies.
What it is best to know
The casual sector in Nigeria usually faces points akin to a number of and unlawful taxation, which might hinder the expansion of small companies. Research have highlighted that merchants are subjected to varied levies from totally different teams, resulting in monetary pressure and lowered revenue margins.
Related measures have been applied in Anambra state, in October 2022, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo abolished taxes for wheelbarrow pushers, vulcanizers, and different petty hawkers, emphasizing the necessity to shield the livelihoods of the poor.Governor Soludo emphasised that these teams, usually on the lowest financial ranges, shouldn’t be subjected to taxation. He said that wheelbarrow pushers, vulcanizers, and hawkers ought to stop paying any charges and shouldn’t be harassed
The governor additionally warned market unions towards accumulating unauthorized levies from these teams, stating that any union discovered responsible could be dissolved instantly.
Additionally in Ebonyi State, Governor, Francis Nwifuru, directed the state’s Board of Inside Income to cease imposing levies and taxes on petty merchants.
Nairametrics reported that Nigerians concerned within the wholesale and retail commerce, in addition to the restore of motor autos and bikes, witnessed a staggering 98% improve of their whole tax contributions to the nation’s coffers, with the whole tax paid in 2023 hitting a report N253.07 billion.
