Anambra State Joint Enforcement Team has swung into action to stop incessant revenue losses to the state Government by apprehending illegal tax collectors popularly known as Agbero in some strategic places.
The enforcement team began operation into the three Senatorial districts of the state, namely Anambra South, Anambra North and Anambra Central to affirm the directives against touting, illegal revenue collection and related offences, as well as enforcement of compliance to revenue payments in the state which is paramount, News Echo reports.
According to the Juventus Chukwuneike Okoli, said ANJET on Friday, 30th at Bridge Head, Upper Iweka, Onitsha-Owerri road, Ochanja Relief Market and parts of Okpoko apprended illegal collectors (Ndi Agbero) that have continued to extort money illegally from the Keke riders, commercial motorists, allegedly stealing revenues accruable to the state from eligible taxpayers.
“This situation was the same at Igbariam Junction, Awkuzu Junction and Aroma Junction Awka where a notorious tout (Agbero) with some of his colleagues were also nabbed”.
“Again, the story was not different in Anambra South, precisely at Nnewi where some touts were again picked”.
Recall that the Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo led administration held several meetings recently with tricyclists, commercial bus drivers, intercity bus operators to chart the way forward for affordable and functional public transportation system in the State devoid of extortions.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Paul Nwosu in a press release on Thursday, 29th of September, 2022 announced Government’s decision on suspension of tricycle and shuttle bus unions and reduction on fees payable by commercial transport operators across the state.
The pronouncement accommodated the request by the transport workers for options of weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual tax payments. In addition, the drivers on paying their first taxes, are to be enrolled without additional payment into the Anambra state Insurance scheme, ASHIA, by the state Government so as to ensure that the drivers are given the opportunity of receiving proper medical treatment for being active taxpayers in the State.
He added that the general public and taxpayers are once more invited to report all sabotage on taxation and tax related matters, like touting and illegal revenue collection to ANJET for prompt action.
