Enugu traders and drivers protest high taxes and fuel prices

Business activities and vehicle movement were affected in Enugu on Wednesday. Hundreds of transport operators and traders protested against heavy taxes and rising fuel prices.

The protesters included tricycle operators, minibus drivers, and traders. They blocked key transport hubs and roads near Ogbete Main Market, Old Park, and the Holy Ghost area. This made it hard for people to access the city’s main commercial district.

The protest started because of complaints about daily levies and tax policies. The operators said these taxes had raised their operating costs. They found it harder to stay in business as fuel prices continue to rise.

This protest happened even after Ekene Nnamani, the Executive Chairman of the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service, assured everyone about the state’s tax reforms and revenue collection system. Nnamani spoke at a revenue sensitization forum, where he said that the state’s informal-sector revenue grew from less than N100 million a year to N7.4 billion. This increase followed the unification of various levies using a technology-based system.

The state government explained that the central e-ticket system costs traders N36,000 a year. It also requires transport operators to make daily consolidated payments. This system was created to reduce multiple levies, illegal tolls, and alleged extortion from different agencies. Some of these agencies include the Enugu State Waste Management Authority and local government councils.

But the protesters said this new system has not helped reduce their financial stress. Some transport operators claimed their daily levies went up from about N350 to N1,000 over the last 20 months. This increase comes on top of park fees and other charges.

Michael Chieze, a commercial driver, spoke during the protest. He said the rising levies and fuel prices have made things tough for operators. "We are forced to pay high daily tickets, park fees, and heavy fines if we don’t pay before noon, all while fuel prices keep climbing. Today, PMS is N1,450 per litre.

“Now there are fears they want to push us out entirely," he said.

The protest created major disruptions around Ogbete Main Market, Old Park, and Holy Ghost. Many motorists and commuters faced long delays due to the congestion.

Police and government officials were sent to the areas to talk to the protesters and restore order. The protesters want a review of the levies and other charges placed on transport operators and traders.