In a significant move aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business and promoting economic growth, the Enugu State Government has officially banned the collection of levies and tolls along highways and roads by individuals or groups claiming to act on behalf of the government. Chidiebere Onyia, the secretary to the state government (SGG), made this announcement in a statement released on Monday.
Onyia pointed out that certain individuals had been engaging in unscrupulous practices, extorting money from commercial vehicles plying the state’s highways using crude tactics. This behavior was seen as a hindrance to the state’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment.
Expressing dissatisfaction with this situation, Onyia emphasized that the administration of Governor Peter Mbah was fully dedicated to realizing its promise of boosting the Enugu economy through the promotion of economic activities and the encouragement of private sector investments. He reiterated that the state government aimed to provide incentives to bolster key sectors such as agriculture and agro-allied activities.
“The current administration of his excellency, Gov. Peter Mbah shall not pay lip service to its stated commitment to expand the Enugu economy sevenfold by promoting economic activities, enabling private sector investments, offering incentives to boost the productive sectors such as agricultural and agro-allied activities in the state,” the statement read.
In addition to eliminating the unauthorized collection of levies and tolls, the government also pledged to take measures to eradicate multiple and illegal taxation across the state. Onyia emphasized the importance of making tax and revenue collection more convenient and technologically advanced, with a focus on reducing leakages.
He urged individuals involved in the unlawful collection of money to cease their activities immediately. Warning against the continuation of such criminal behavior, Onyia stated, “Henceforth, anyone caught in the illegal act shall be prosecuted and please be guided accordingly.”
With this new development, the Enugu State Government aims to create a more conducive environment for lawful economic and business activities, fostering growth and development while ensuring fairness and transparency in taxation and revenue collection processes.
