Ebonyi State’s Internal Revenue Board (IRB), in collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has apprehended five suspects accused of illegally collecting revenue from petty traders at the International Market in Ebonyi.
The operation led to the capture of the suspects in various sections of the market, where they were reportedly extorting fees from market women, including vendors of sachet water, vegetables, and other small items. Recovered items included cash and several booklets of unauthorized receipts.
The apprehended individuals had been allegedly charging market women between N50 and N100 daily, threatening to confiscate their goods if they failed to pay. The arrest has brought much relief to the traders, who were seen celebrating and singing praises for Governor Francis Nwifuru, who has championed policies to alleviate the burdens on petty traders.
Emmanuel Elechi, the leader of the IRB enforcement team and head of ICT within the board, highlighted the state’s commitment to upholding Governor Nwifuru’s directive to exempt petty traders from revenue collections. “We are resolute in our mission to rid the state of these illegal tax collectors who tarnish the image of the revenue board,” Elechi stated. “Our governor understands the hardship faced by low-income earners, and we are here to enforce his policy that allows them to operate freely.”
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The Ebonyi State Government also recently launched an e-ticketing system for commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators, a measure intended to boost transparency, curb double taxation, and help track criminal activity. Chief Christopher Omo-Isu, Chairman of the State Revenue Board, expressed optimism about the initiative, noting that the automated system will minimize touting and reduce friction between transport operators and revenue collectors.
“We are urging all operators to register within the next two weeks,” Omo-Isu said. “This new system will not only streamline revenue collection but also enhance security by allowing us to trace any crime linked to registered vehicles.”
This crackdown and the newly introduced e-ticketing system represent the Ebonyi Government’s broader commitment to creating a more organized and fair revenue collection system, ensuring market stability and safeguarding the livelihood of everyday traders across the state.
