Abia Govt denies imposing N50,000 tax on akara sellers

The Abia State Government has firmly denied allegations that it has imposed a N50,000 tax on women selling Akara on the streets. Additionally, the government also rejected claims that it is imposing excessive tax burdens on school proprietors and other business owners in the state. This clarification was provided by the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, during a briefing for journalists on the recent executive council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu emphasized that the state government had previously abolished multiple taxation and had not introduced any new tax as alleged by opposition parties. He clarified that the misconception regarding an Akara seller paying N50,000 in taxes was nothing but a fallacy, and that such sellers do not pay taxes or levies, but instead pay daily tolls.

Furthermore, Kanu informed the public that the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue lacks the authority to increase taxes without the prior approval from the House of Assembly. He also dismissed claims that the government's decision to commence gratuity payments to pensioners was influenced by opposition pressure.