Soludo has also approved weekly payments applicable to tricycle (keke), shuttle buses and other transport operators.
He disclosed that the state government, transport operators, and other stakeholders reached the agreement during a meeting at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women’s Development Centre in Awka, yesterday, where they brainstormed on the new modalities.
In a statement signed by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, the governor stated: “While keke operators will now pay N2, 500 per week or N10, 000 per month, shuttle bus drivers will pay N3,000 per week or N12,000 per month, while mini truck drivers will pay N3,750 per week or N15,000 per month.
“Motorcycle riders (Okada) are to start paying N1, 000 per week or N4, 000 per month, while taxi drivers will now pay N3, 000 per week or N12,000 per month.
“Tax collection from hawkers, wheelbarrow pushers, and vulcanizers is prohibited in the state.”
Soludo also stressed that he understood concerns regarding rate reduction, mode of payment (daily or weekly) and the issue of multiple taxes, insisting that government will protect and promote interests of the common man.
He added: “I understand what you’re going through. I feel and touch it, and that’s why we’re going all out to declare total emergency on state roads to alleviate your suffering.
“It is true that government needs funds. There is no such thing as society that has developed without people paying taxes. Last year, Anambra’s total tax contribution was barely N20 billion, which is insufficient for the massive road construction we have begun, let alone other sectors.
“Our main challenge is harassment by touts, and being taxed multiple times. A large chunk of what you pay goes into private pockets, and never reached government.”
He insisted that government is working on comprehensive tax reform to make the system more equitable.
