Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting petty traders by warning against the collection of taxes from them. Speaking at a rally in Ekwulọbịa, Aguata Local Government Area, Soludo urged local authorities to stop levying fees on poor traders and warned that anyone who disobeys the directive will be arrested.
The governor’s warning came after a recent visit to Eke Market in Awgbu, where he observed that levies were still being imposed on petty traders with capital of less than N100,000, despite a government order abolishing such practices. Soludo had originally eliminated taxes on traders whose wares were valued under N100,000 two years ago, and also removed levies on barrow pushers, hawkers, vulcanizers and similar operators.
During the Ekwulọbịa event, Soludo thanked the community for its support and praised their resilience in the face of challenges. 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 forms part of a broader effort to promote economic growth and development in Anambra State. By exempting small traders from tax collection, the government aims to reduce their financial burden, enabling them to invest in their businesses and contribute to the state’s economy. This commitment underscores the administration’s dedication to creating a favorable business environment for entrepreneurs of all sizes, with the protection of petty traders’ livelihoods remaining a key element of its development strategy.
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