Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has ordered the immediate and indefinite suspension of daily toll collections imposed on petty traders operating without permanent shops, declaring the practice unlawful.
The directive was announced on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting focused on streamlining and clarifying revenue collection processes in markets across the state. The meeting, organised by the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service, took place at the Old Government Lodge in Enugu.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the governor explained that the decision aligns with recently introduced tax reforms aimed at easing the financial burden on low-income earners. He stressed that small-scale traders should not be subjected to daily levies, especially under policies designed to promote economic inclusion.
To ensure compliance with the directive, the state government has established a task force led by the SSG. The team has been mandated to monitor activities across markets and enforce the ban on unauthorized toll collection. The governor warned that anyone found collecting daily fees ranging from ₦100 to ₦200—whether on behalf of the government or privately—would face strict legal consequences.
Mbah also called on key stakeholders, including local government chairmen, traditional rulers, market leaders, Presidents-General, civil society organisations, and residents, to support enforcement efforts. He urged them to promptly report any violations to the designated task force for immediate action.
On the same day, the Enugu State Police Command arraigned two individuals before a Magistrates’ Court over alleged involvement in illegal revenue collection activities. The suspects were charged with offences including theft, forgery of receipts, and unauthorized collection of fees linked to the registration of native doctors in the state.
According to the police, the accused persons were involved in issuing fake receipts and collecting money unlawfully from unsuspecting individuals. Their arraignment underscores ongoing efforts by authorities to clamp down on fraudulent practices and restore transparency in revenue systems.
The case has been adjourned to allow for further legal proceedings, while investigations into similar activities continue.
