Abia State taxation disputes emerge amid political campaigning

The Abia State government has denied reports claiming that petty traders, specifically akara sellers, are being charged N50,000 in taxes. Information Commissioner Okey Kanu described the claims as a “pure fallacy,” stating that while these traders pay daily tolls, they are not subject to such tax rates. The administration clarified that the current tax framework was established by legislation enacted in 2020 under the previous administration and that the state has moved to abolish multiple taxation.

In contrast, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Dr. Kelechi Anosike, has criticized the current taxation system, describing it as a “heavy tax regime” that burdens residents and businesses. During his campaign launch, Anosike pledged to abolish taxes on truck and wheelbarrow pushers and implement a welfarist tax regime. He proposed attracting foreign direct investment to boost internally generated revenue rather than increasing the tax burden on citizens.