The Amalgamated Union of Foodstuffs and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria (AUFCDN) has expressed dismay over the imposition of multiple taxes on its members along highways in the South East and South South regions.
Dr. Mohammed Tahir, the National President of AUFCDN, conveyed this concern during a union meeting held in Enugu on Monday aimed at improving market operations and safeguarding members’ interests.
Tahir attributed the soaring prices of food commodities in the South East to the burden of multiple taxes imposed on transporters by unauthorised collectors along the routes.
He highlighted the challenges faced by members transporting foodstuffs and cattle from the North to the South, citing instances where revenues collected were not remitted to the government but diverted for personal gains.
Tahir underscored the stark contrast in tax enforcement between regions, noting that while the journey from Maiduguri to Lagos incurred no additional tax burdens after initial payment, transporting goods to the South East and South South encountered numerous hurdles and overtaxation.
He emphasised the adverse impact of these excessive levies on the cost of goods, illustrating a significant price hike in cattle from the point of origin to the destination due to mounting expenses along the route.
Tahir urged the governors of the affected regions to intervene promptly, pledging the union’s cooperation in streamlining revenue generation from its members.
In response, Mr. Patrick Ubru, the Enugu State Commissioner for Agriculture, represented by Mr. Segun Olukoya, emphasised the government’s efforts to combat illegal tax collection through the introduction of e-ticketing systems.
Ubru assured the dealers of ongoing initiatives to harmonise taxes and eliminate multiple levies, urging adherence to online payment platforms and cautioning against unauthorised collectors.