Protest Shuts Obollo-Afor Market Over Alleged Selective Haulage Tax

The commercial activities at Obollo-Afor Market in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State have been disrupted as traders protested against the selective collection of a N25,000 haulage levy on trucks loading and offloading goods at the market.

The traders, who carried placards with various inscriptions, marched to the Udenu Local Government secretariat to present their grievances to council officials. Mr. Charles Eze, the Chairman of the Obollo-Afor Market Traders Association, spoke at the council secretariat, expressing the traders' concerns.

The alleged levy had discouraged truck operators from bringing goods to the market. Some truck owners have diverted their consignments to Orba, Enugu-Ezike, Nsukka, and Orie-Igboeze, allegedly because they were not required to pay similar charges at those locations.

The Chairman of the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Emmanuel Nnamani, responded to the traders' claims in a letter, stating that the haulage levy applies strictly to truck drivers operating on interstate routes. However, the traders argue that they have no objection to the state's e-ticketing system but feel that the alleged selective haulage levy is unfair.

The protest has resulted in a decline in the flow of goods to the market for more than two months. Traders attempted to engage the revenue service over the matter but were yet to reach a resolution. They have appealed to Governor Peter Mbah to intervene in the situation.

The story highlights the challenges faced by traders in the face of selective taxation and the need for clearer regulations and communication between the revenue service and market leaders.

The protest has received attention from local government officials, who are working to resolve the issue. Mr. Chika Aroh, the Secretary of the Udenu Local Government Council, stated that the council has scheduled a meeting with representatives of the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service to clarify whether the levy is being collected in other markets in the state.

In response to the protest, the Chairman of the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Emmanuel Nnamani, explained that the haulage levy was not payable by traders buying or selling goods in markets. However, the traders argue that the system is unfair and is causing them significant financial losses.

The Enugu State Internal Revenue Service has scheduled a meeting with representatives of the traders to address their concerns and resolve the issue. The meeting is expected to provide clarity on the implementation of the haulage levy and its impact on the market.

The protest at Obollo-Afor Market highlights the need for clearer regulations and communication between the revenue service and market leaders. It also underscores the challenges faced by traders in the face of selective taxation.