Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has warned against collecting taxes from petty traders in the state.

Soludo gave the warning while addressing supporters during a rally at Ekwulọbịa, Aguata Local Government Area of the state.

The governor urged local authorities to refrain from collecting fees from poor traders.

The call followed a visit to Eke Market in Awgbu, where he observed that levies were still being collected from petty traders with less than N100,000 capital, against government directive.

He said: “Don’t collect from them anymore. We will arrest anybody that goes ahead to disregard this. Our government is committed to protecting the livelihoods of petty traders.”

Soludo had two years ago abolished collection of taxes from traders with wares worth less than N100,000. He also abolished all forms of levies on barrow pushers, hawkers, vulcanizers and others.

Speaking at the event, the governor expressed gratitude for the community’s support to his government.

He also commended the Ekwulọbịa community for its resilience and support in the face of challenges.

A cheque of N80 million, received as donations from prominent sons of Ekwulobia, was presented to the governor and his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim to support their campaign.

Soludo warns against collection of levies from petty traders