Women Traders in Anambra North Demand Tax Reductions as Heavy Levies Drive Traders Out of Business

 

Women traders from various markets in Anambra North Senatorial District have voiced their concerns over the increasing burden of fees, levies, and rates imposed by the state government. During a sensitization campaign organized by the Tax Justice and Governance Platform (TJ&GP) under the "Tax for Service (T4S)" project, traders called for urgent relief from the financial pressures that have driven many out of business.

The campaign, which took place at the bustling Onitsha Main Market, is part of a broader effort to rebuild trust between citizens and the government. The initiative, supported by Oxfam Nigeria, and implemented in collaboration with the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), aims to improve taxpayer compliance by addressing the causes of tax apathy among citizens. For traders, however, the escalating financial demands are becoming an insurmountable challenge.

At the heart of the traders' complaints is the growing number of payments they are required to make, many of which they describe as excessive and unaffordable. Kate Uchebechi, the Woman Leader of Ochanja Central Market, shared her frustration, stating that the current economic climate has made it difficult for traders to keep up. “The economy is bad already. Many of us have left the market because they couldn’t cope with the burden,” she explained.

Ogochukwu Okechi, another trader, echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the constant payment demands are discouraging new traders, especially women, from entering the market. “Too many payments discourage women from entering into market. You pay for this and that and they keep coming. Let Governor Soludo reduce these burdens on us,” she said.

The call for relief was also supported by Gracegodic Uchegbu, the Woman Leader of Onitsha Main Market, who stressed that the numerous levies are undermining the efforts to support female traders. “Instead of helping traders, especially women, to remain in business, they are killing our businesses with too many levies and rates. Let the federal and state governments give us loans to help our trade,” she urged.

Participants at the sensitization campaign also expressed concerns about a pervasive misconception within government circles that traders do not pay taxes. Basil Okeke, one of the participants, criticized the government’s failure to recognize the financial strain traders face. “Government should sanitize the system to make tax payment easier for people. There is no pipe-borne water from the government, power supply is epileptic. What exactly is government doing with the taxes?” he queried.

Emeka Boniface and Emeka Onwuka added their voices to the protest, lamenting that despite the burdensome levies, they are often subjected to unfair treatment by government officials who fail to understand the realities of market life. “We struggle to do whatever we are doing. They ask to pay everywhere and every time. It looks like the government is suppressing the citizens,” Boniface complained.

However, the Onitsha Main Market chairman, Chief Innocent Ezeoha, acknowledged that the state government’s efforts are starting to make a difference. According to Ezeoha, the government has provided valuable resources to the market, such as fire trucks, a primary health center, and free internet connectivity. Construction work on the New Market Road and Bida Road is also underway, addressing some of the market’s long-standing infrastructural needs. Despite these improvements, Ezeoha emphasized that more is still needed, particularly in areas like toilet facilities and a proper office for market leadership.

Dr. Herbert Ofomata, a tax consultant, took the opportunity to educate traders on the distinction between levies, fees, and taxes, and how they can accurately determine their tax liabilities. “To be able to determine your tax accurately, you must keep every record of transactions. Many people don’t know how much they make weekly, monthly, and annually, and when assessed, they complain that it is unfair,” he said. He also encouraged traders to embrace the reforms introduced by the state government, including the “no-cash directive,” which requires all payments to be made through official channels such as mobile apps, POS, USSD, or direct payments to the tax office or banking halls.

Ugochi Ehiahuruike, the Executive Director of the Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC), also advocated for a more gender-inclusive approach to revenue collection, as well as the inclusion of women in market leadership. She highlighted the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and nursing mothers, who often struggle to navigate the market environment. “Persons with disabilities are practically denied access to our markets because they are inaccessible. Nursing mothers go through difficulties coping with business transactions and their babies because there are no creches within the markets where they can keep their babies,” she pointed out.

The sensitization campaign also featured a presentation by Arthur Iwuanya, a member of the TJ&GP, who educated traders on how to prepare and submit a charter of demands to the government. The event also included a road show where traders across Onitsha Main Market were enlightened about their rights and obligations under the state’s tax laws.

In summary, the ongoing sensitization efforts highlight a growing dissatisfaction among traders over the financial burdens they face. Many are calling for a reduction in market levies and the introduction of support mechanisms like loans, which would help ease the financial strain and enable them to continue their businesses. As the discussions continue, there is hope that the government will address these concerns in a way that supports the livelihood of the market women, fosters inclusive growth, and strengthens the relationship between the state and its citizens.