From Felix Ikem, Nsukka
The Enugu State government, on Tuesday, sealed some parts of the Ogige Main Market in Nsukka Local Government Area of the state, over alleged tax evasion by the traders.
Parts of the market were tied together with red tape and a government seal pasted strategically that reads “Sealed by Enugu State Internal Revenue, Unauthorised Unsealing will Attract Prosecution”.
Reacting to the development, The Chairman of the Ogige Main Market Traders Association, Mrs. Ngozi Ozioko said that traders in the market have been educated about the state government policy on tax payment and the need for them to comply and pay as at when due.
“I think what the state government is doing through the state internal revenue broad is to show the traders how serious they are about tax payment.
“I had informed the traders in our different meetings as well as carried out a sensitisation campaign in the market that the state government has harmonised tax payment in the state and the need for all traders to comply to avoid sealing of the market or individual shop.
“We all know that things are hard now economically, but the current government is determined to provide amenities for the people, using the internally generated revenue, so traders are expected to pay their tax regularly to support the government,” she said.
Ozioko, however, appealed to the Enugu State Board of Internal Revenue to temper justice with mercy stressing that the traders have started making their payments, this was even as she urged those who can not afford to make full payments to pay in instalments.
Speaking, Mr. Chukwudi Ugwuanyi, a trader in the market said that they woke up on Tuesday morning to the surprise Discovery that some parts of the market had been sealed by Enugu State Board of Internal Revenue.
“Traders in the market have been paying revenue regularly until this current administration in Enugu State hiked the amount from N3,000 to N21,000 annually which most of us are finding it difficult to pay under this present economic hardship in the country.
“The value of goods in some of our shops is not up to N21,000 yet the government is driving to pay through our nose.
“I appeal to the government to reconsider its decision and review the amount based on the current harsh economic reality in the country,” he said.
When contacted, the Chairman of the Enugu State Board of Internal Revenue, Mr. Emmanuel Nnamani confirmed that the board sealed parts of the Ogige Main Market for the failure of some traders to pay government-approved fees (tax) in the market.
“Yes the board sealed some parts of the market and until traders in these parts paid the fee the seal will remain.
“Anybody who unseal it without our consent will be prosecuted,” he said.
As of the time of filling this report, some affected traders were seen in small groups discussing the sealing of the market, while others were making effort to pay and have access to their shops.