Enugu boosts local economy, suspends daily levies imposed on petty traders

The Enugu State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of daily tolls imposed on petty traders across markets in the State, citing the need to protect vulnerable citizens, coupled with the Government’s resolve to boost Micro, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in the State.

The decision affects traders without lock-up shops, including hawkers, vegetable sellers, and sachet water vendors, who were previously required to pay a daily levy of N200.

Announcing the directive at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Old Government Lodge in Enugu on Tuesday,
Chidiebere Onyia, Secretary to the State Government, said the move followed widespread complaints about the burden the tolls placed on low-income earners.

He disclosed that a taskforce would be established at the Local Government level to enforce compliance and ensure that the collection of such levies ceases immediately.

According to him, the Government acted after receiving concerns from traditional rulers, local government chairmen, and community leaders over the negative impact of the tolls on small-scale traders.

“The governor has directed that, in line with the Enugu State tax law, these tolls be suspended with immediate effect.

“These categories of traders are considered vulnerable and should not be made to pay any levy, whether by the government or any community group”, he said.

He emphasised that local government authorities, traditional rulers, and community leaders have been mandated to enforce the directive within their jurisdictions and also urged affected traders to report any attempt of extortion.

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“Any form of exploitation of our people will not be tolerated,” he added.

He noted that the directive does not apply to traders operating from lock-up shops.

Reacting to the development, Okechukwu Edeh, Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Enugu State, commended the Government for what he described as a compassionate decision, assuring that Council chairmen would ensure strict compliance.

Similarly, Igwe Samuel Asadu, Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, expressed appreciation, noting that the move would ease the economic burden on the poor.

Some traders also welcomed the decision. Elechi Charity, who spoke on behalf of traders at New Haven Market,
described the development as “marvellous”, offering prayers for the governor’s continued leadership.

In the same vein, Anene, the Chairman of the Ogbete Main Market Traders Association, praised the State Government for its efforts, pledging continued support from traders.