Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting the livelihoods of petty traders by warning against the collection of taxes from them. During a rally at Ekwulọbịa, Aguata Local Government Area, Soludo urged local authorities to refrain from collecting fees from poor traders, emphasizing that his government will arrest anyone who disobeys this directive.
The governor’s warning follows a recent visit to Eke Market in Awgbu, where he observed that levies were still being collected from petty traders with less than N100,000 capital, despite a government directive abolishing such practices. Soludo had initially abolished the collection of taxes from traders with wares worth less than N100,000 two years ago, and also eliminated levies on barrow pushers, hawkers, vulcanizers, and other similar traders.
Soludo expressed his gratitude to the Ekwulọbịa community for their support to his government and commended their resilience in the face of challenges. During the event, a cheque of N80 million was presented to the governor and his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, as a donation from prominent sons of Ekwulobia to support their campaign.
The governor’s stance on protecting petty traders is part of his administration’s efforts to promote economic growth and development in Anambra State. By exempting petty traders from tax collection, the government aims to reduce the financial burden on these small business owners and enable them to invest in their businesses, thereby contributing to the state’s economic growth.
The Anambra State government’s commitment to supporting petty traders is significant, as it recognizes the important role they play in the state’s economy. The governor’s warning against the collection of taxes from petty traders serves as a reminder of his administration’s dedication to creating a favorable business environment for all entrepreneurs, regardless of their size or capital. As the state continues to implement policies aimed at promoting economic development, the protection of petty traders’ livelihoods remains a key aspect of its strategy.
