Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has advised against the collection of taxes from vegetable sellers and small-scale traders, emphasizing the need for a humane approach to revenue collection.
The governor’s directive, communicated through his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor, stressed during the swearing-in ceremony of the Revenue Appeal Commission members, held at the New Government House in Abakaliki.
Nwifuru characterized the taxation of vegetable sellers as unjust and urged officials to desist from such actions, highlighting that taxing individuals selling farm produce in local markets lacked justification.
He emphasized focusing on larger businesses for tax collection, stating, “I want you to target major business owners.” Nwifuru instructed the Revenue Service to refrain from taxing small traders, reiterating his stance multiple times.
Furthermore, he urged Chairman Augustine Nwankwegu and members of the Revenue Service and Appeal Commission to conduct their duties with empathy to enhance the state’s Internally Generated Revenue without causing undue hardship to citizens.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the appointees, Nwankwegu pledged the commission’s commitment to increasing state revenue while ensuring a conducive business environment.
