Aba market women reject multiple taxes by govt

A very specific and timely topic!

The Aba market women, a prominent group of traders in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria, have been protesting against multiple taxes imposed on them by the government. Here's a summary of the situation:

Background: Aba is a major commercial hub in Nigeria, known for its bustling markets and entrepreneurial spirit. The Aba market women, who are predominantly small-scale traders, play a crucial role in the local economy.

Multiple taxes: The Abia State government has been imposing multiple taxes on the Aba market women, including:

  1. Market Union fees: The Aba Market Union, a regulatory body, collects fees from traders to maintain the market infrastructure and provide services.
  2. Local Government taxes: The Aba North and Aba South Local Government Areas collect taxes from traders, including a 5% tax on their daily sales.
  3. State Government taxes: The Abia State Government imposes a 5% tax on traders' daily sales, in addition to the local government taxes.
  4. Other taxes: There are also other taxes imposed by various agencies, such as the Aba Environmental Sanitation Authority and the Aba Market Development Agency.

Protests and demands: The Aba market women have been protesting against these multiple taxes, citing the following reasons:

  1. Over-taxation: They argue that the multiple taxes are excessive and unsustainable, leading to financial hardship and reduced business activities.
  2. Lack of infrastructure: Despite paying taxes, the market women claim that the government has not provided adequate infrastructure, such as roads, lighting, and sanitation facilities.
  3. Inefficient tax collection: They accuse the tax collectors of being corrupt and inefficient, leading to loss of revenue and unfair treatment of some traders.

Demands: The Aba market women are demanding:

  1. Reduction or abolition of multiple taxes
  2. Improved infrastructure and services in the market
  3. Transparency and accountability in tax collection
  4. Fair treatment of all traders, regardless of their size or location

Government response: The Abia State Government has responded to the protests by setting up a committee to review the tax system and identify areas for improvement. The government has also promised to provide more infrastructure and services to the market.

Impact: The protests have had a significant impact on the local economy, with many traders closing their shops or reducing their activities. The situation has also highlighted the need for a more sustainable and equitable tax system in Nigeria.

Overall, the Aba market women's protests against multiple taxes have brought attention to the challenges faced by small-scale traders in Nigeria and the need for a more effective and transparent tax system.