Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has appealed to the Abia State Government to ensure zero-multiple tax regime as well as a harmonized tax system in the state adding that such would enable all business operators irrespective of class leverage on the business ecosystem of Abia.
In a statement signed by the Executive Director of FENRAD, Comrade Nelson Nwafor and made available to our Correspondent on Friday, the Foundation noted that detailed and efficient tax system would optimally serve the interest of the government and the governed.
He noted that the Foundation was inundated with reports of multiple taxation and high tax regime on commercial drivers and traders in the markets urging the governor, Dr. Alex Otti, to intervene by ensuring that the issue is addressed for the benefit of the masses whom he said voted him massively during the 2023 elections.
Comrade Nwafor regretted that people are already facing hard times due to inflation rate and fuel subsidy removal saying there is urgent need for state government not to worsen the situation by looking into the complaints of multiple taxation.
According to the statement, “we urge the government to, in the interest of the masses, ensure a zero-multiple tax regime, harmonize all payable taxes so that the rich and the poor, the haves and have nots, all Ndi Abia can leverage the business ecosystem to maximize their God-given potentials.
“We advocate for uniformed, efficient & Progressive tax, not retrogressive one. A pro-poor and progressive tax is, in the Foundation’s belief, the best for Abia state.
“We hope the Governor looks into these concerns in the interest of the poor who voted his government into office, and who still believe in that government.
“It should stick with tax regime the people, majority of whose consumption capacity is declining, can afford, or better relate to.”
