By: Hon IG Amaechi Okoro
Your Excellency,
We, the concerned citizens and stakeholders of Enugu State, write this open letter to express our deep dissatisfaction and vehement protest against the recent arbitrary and oppressive tax increases imposed by your administration. The taxes, as currently structured, are not only excessive but also threaten the survival of small businesses, informal workers, and the general populace across the state.
In recent times, we have witnessed an alarming surge in the following tax rates, which are grossly unfair and unsustainable:
- Tenement tax for bungalows in urban centres: Increased from N20,000 to N100,000 annually.
- Tenement tax for bungalows in Enugu metropolis: Increased from N30,000 to N150,000 annually.
- Tenement tax for high-rise buildings in high-density areas: Increased from N50,000 to N300,000 annually.
- Land instrument/titles registration fees: Hiked from N70,000 to N300,000.
- Private schools tax: Skyrocketed from N30,000 to N200,000 annually.
- Daily taxes for buses: Raised from N200 to N2,000.
- Daily taxes for tricycles (Keke): Increased from N100 to N450.
- Daily taxes for barrow pushers: Exorbitantly raised from N100 to N2,000.
- Purchase tax on groceries and factory products: Ranging from N5,000 to N15,000, constituting double taxation as VAT is already being collected.
- Carbon emission/generator tax for hotels: Now N88,000 for small hotels and N200,000 for large hotels annually.
These tax hikes have placed an unbearable financial burden on ordinary citizens, businesses, transport operators, and the informal sector, many of whom are already struggling under the weight of inflation and a challenging economy. The citizens of Enugu State cannot and will not accept these unjust increases, as they are counterproductive to the growth and prosperity of the state.
### Our Demands ✊✊✊
We demand immediate action to rectify the situation, and we present the following demands as essential steps to address the current economic crisis:
- Immediate Reversal of the Tax Hikes
We call for the immediate reversal of all recent tax increments. These increases are unsustainable, especially for the economically vulnerable, and must be rescinded. A thorough review of these tax policies should be conducted, with input from key stakeholders across various sectors. - Adoption of a Pro-People Economic Policy
We urge the government to design and implement economic policies that stimulate growth rather than stifling it. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Enugu State’s economy, and policies should be geared towards supporting and encouraging their development, not crippling them with excessive taxation. - Abolishment of Double Taxation
The imposition of a purchase tax on groceries and factory products is unjustifiable and amounts to double taxation since VAT is already applied. We demand the immediate abolishment of this tax, which unfairly penalizes both consumers and businesses. - Transparent Use of Tax Revenue
Taxpayers deserve accountability. We demand transparency in the collection and use of tax revenue. The state government should provide regular reports detailing how tax revenues are allocated to essential sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social services. Citizens need to see tangible benefits from the taxes they pay. - Reduction of Levies for Informal Workers and Small Businesses
The informal sector is a vital part of Enugu State’s economy. We demand a reduction in the daily levies imposed on keke riders, barrow pushers, bus operators, and small-scale traders. The current rates are exorbitant and threaten the livelihoods of these hardworking individuals. We call for a more inclusive and fair tax system that fosters economic participation, rather than discouraging it.
Your Excellency, the people of Enugu State are suffering under the weight of these crippling taxes, and immediate action is needed. We demand that you take swift and decisive steps to reverse these damaging policies, engage in meaningful dialogue with affected communities, and adopt more balanced and progressive economic policies that will foster growth and shared prosperity.
The economic well-being of Enugu State must not be sacrificed for short-term revenue gains. We urge you to consider the long-term impact of these tax increases and to adopt a more compassionate approach to governance. The time for change is now.
We look forward to your prompt response and positive action in addressing our concerns.
Yours sincerely,
Hon. IG Amaechi Okoro
General Sec Oganiri Igbo-Etiti
