By Tina Amanda
Market traders and business owners in Rivers State have called for equal service delivery for taxes paid, citing examples from Western countries where tax payments correspond with improved public services.
The demand was made during a one-day “Tax-for-Service Capacity Building Write-Shop for the Informal Sector,” organized by the Rivers State Tax Justice and Governance Platform in Port Harcourt.
Gloria Akintoye, a representative of the National Association of Nigerian Traders, Rivers State Chapter, criticized the multiple taxation system imposed on traders, emphasizing the lack of corresponding benefits such as proper sanitary facilities, healthcare posts, road maintenance, waste disposal systems, and parking lots within market premises.
She argued that multiple taxation—legal or illegal—hinders business growth and negatively impacts the economy.
Akintoye highlighted the crucial role of small businesses in the state and warned that excessive taxation could lead to business closures.
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“Small businesses are the heartbeat of the economy, but over-taxation forces many to shut down.”
She also called for greater transparency in governance, urging market leaders to unite and advocate for traders’ rights.
Amaechi Kelechi, Coordinator of the Rivers State Tax Justice and Governance Platform, stressed the importance of a fair tax system where taxpayers can see tangible benefits for their contributions.
“Citizens and small businesses often complain about the lack of visible impact from their taxes, especially at the subnational level. This workshop aims to mobilize the informal sector to demand social services for taxes paid, using non-violent methods to ensure their voices are heard.”
Kelechi also emphasized the need for market autonomy, arguing against local government interference in market leadership.
“Markets should have the same autonomy as local governments, with the right to organize, associate, and advocate for their interests without external restrictions. As a platform we are really worried and disturbed that this is actually happening in the market, it is a civic space issue.
“They should have the right to organize themselves, right to freedom of association, assembly, and expression, they should not be denied. We consider this restriction on the civic space on the right of traders to organize either promote or resist policies that bother on taxes and other governance issues in the market in Rivers State.
“It is our position that the market should be allowed to breathe, traders should be allowed to rule themselves the same way local governments have been granted autonomy.”
Peculiar Madufor, President of the Tax Club at Rivers State University, urged the government to address tax reforms that impact various groups, including students.
“Multiple taxation affects everyone, including students. Banks deduct charges for every transaction and still impose monthly maintenance fees. The government must address these issues to ease the burden on citizens.”
Participants at the workshop called for the full implementation of the state’s harmonized tax framework to end multiple and illegal taxation.
The event highlighted the need for systemic reforms to ensure accountability and equitable service delivery for taxpayers in Rivers State.
