Ebonyi artisans protest ‘exploitative’ taxes, demand end to revenue contract

Artisans in Ebonyi State have raised fresh concerns over what they describe as rising cases of multiple taxation, excessive levies and harassment by revenue contractors, calling on the State Government to end the use of third parties in internally generated revenue (IGR) collection.

The grievances were aired in Abakaliki on Monday where leaders of various trade groups described the current tax regime as unsustainable and harmful to small businesses.

Francis John-Nwebonyi, State President of the Artisans, said artisans are not opposed to paying taxes but are troubled by the manner in which collections are being handled.

“Third-party contractors have introduced systemic abuses, including intimidation, excessive taxation, and even confiscation of tools,” he said, warning that the trend is pushing many artisans out of business.

He noted that the development is undermining government-backed skills acquisition programmes, as beneficiaries struggle to sustain their trades under mounting financial pressure.

To address the issue, Nwebonyi proposed that registered trade associations be empowered to collect and remit taxes directly to Government, arguing that such a system would improve transparency and accountability.

Echoing similar concerns, Chinedu Agbe Chairman of the Ebonyi State Tailors Association, described the current levies as arbitrary and burdensome.

“In the past, artisans paid about N14,000 annually. Now, some are being asked to pay between N50,000 and N59,000 without clear explanation,” he said.

Leaders of other Associations, including welders, automobile technicians, furniture makers, and vulcanisers, also decried what they termed inconsistencies and lack of transparency in the assessment process.

Soludo Ogodo, Chairman of the Welders and General Fitters Association, blamed the situation on outsourcing revenue collection to individuals unfamiliar with the realities of artisan work.

“These contractors impose multiple and arbitrary charges, sometimes within the same year. It is unjust and disruptive,” he said, recounting his arrest over alleged non-compliance despite meeting his tax obligations.

Johnson Azi, Chairman of the (NATA), Ebonyi State Chapter, pointed to discrepancies between official tax rates and actual demands.

“The approved annual levy is about N14,000, yet our members are receiving demand notices as high as N59,000. This raises serious concerns about the integrity of the system,” he said.

Emmanuel Egba, Secretary of the IGR Board, said the Agency would address the allegations.