Butchers at the Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki Abattoir Market in Ilorin have staged a protest over the increase in tax levies by the Ilorin East Local Government.

The Irepodun United Butchers Association of Nigeria opposed the abrupt raise of daily levy from ₦500 to ₦2,000 per cattle.

The Association’s chairman, Alhaji Moshood Abdulqodir, told newsmen that the move was implemented without dialogue or notice to the stakeholders.

According to him, “The new rate was introduced by the local government chairman and an investor. This has placed a heavier burden on our daily operations.”

Another butcher, Mallam Kale Onimalu, said that the increase comes amid a steep rise in the cost of living, worsening the financial strain and losses confronting the traders.

The marketers were sighted outside the market gate, refusing to pay the revised gate fee until the decision is reviewed.

Meanwhile, when contacted, the Chairman of Ilorin East Local Government, Lukman Olayinka-Agbelere, said upon assumption of office, his administration discovered that the abattoir was a public-private partnership (PPP) concessioned to an investor, who was to build, manage, operate, and transfer, and that the concession still has about 10 years to go.

“In order to ensure that the local government gets what it deserves from the facility, there is the need to jerk up a bit the rate of ₦500 being paid per cow, to enable the local government raise enough funds to be able to buy back the concession and reclaim the asset,” he said.

He said that he did not arrive at the decision unilaterally, but held meetings with different stakeholders, including the traders and the butchers.