To ease the financial load of small-scale businessmen, the Niger State Government has officially banned taxation of hawkers and small-time dealers across the state.
Mohammed Umaru Bago, the state governor, made the announcement when he addressed newsmen at the Government House in Minna.
The state, he explained, has a centralized tax policy that excludes all hawkers and small-time businessmen.
The governor stated: “We have observed with dismay how petty traders and hawkers are being exploited through multiple taxes.
“As a government, we have resolved that, henceforth, no trader—no petty trader—should be taxed.
“Hawkers and petty traders are tax-free in Niger State. Anyone found imposing taxes on them will be dealt with decisively for extortion.”
In light of this, Bago directed local government council chairmen and councillors to take note and ensure that such practices cease with immediate effect.
