The Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, has announced the immediate ban on the collection of levies and tolls on state highways and roads by individuals or groups in its name.
Onyia in statement noted the state government’s displeasure with the activities of those who constituted nuisance on Enugu roads through sundry crude tactics to extort monies from vehicles, transporting goods, farm produce and livestock in the state.
Describing it as anti-business, the SSG said such activities by syndicates were contrary to the government’s determination to remove hindrances to the ease of doing business in the state.
“The current administration of His Excellency, Gov. Peter Mbah shall not pay lip service to its stated commitment to expand the Enugu economy sevenfold by promoting economic activities, enabling private sector investments, offering incentives to boost the productive sectors such as agricultural and agro-allied activities in the state.
The statement read: “Those willing to engage in lawful economic and business activities in our state shall be encouraged to do so as they are beneficial to the state,” adding that the state government was also taking steps to eliminate multiple and illegal taxation in the state.
Onyia said the state government was of the view that collection of taxes and revenues must be decently executed and technology-driven to block leakages.
He warned perpetrators of the unwholesome practices to keep off all roads in the state or face dire sanctions.
He said: “Henceforth, anyone caught in the illegal act shall be prosecuted and please be guided accordingly.”
