Various traders in Lagos markets are crying out because of the multiple levies they pay to government; they lamented on the near extortion they go through everyday especially traders in Balogun Market in the Lagos Island Local Government Area.
When interviewed by news correspondents, some traders (names withheld) revealed that they were forced to pay the sum of N50,000 within the space of six months while some pay N100,000 annually.
They went ahead to reveal that they are compelled to pay 700 naira daily or they will be thrown out of their shops.
Another trader in the market who identified himself as Emmanuel, claimed that some traders are forced to pay as much as N100,000 in a year or even more in taxes.
Speaking further on the matter, some traders alleged that they pay weekend taxes in addition to the annual taxes, they commented on the illegality of the incessant dubious taxing systems but said that they comply out of fear.
A trader at Ikeja market identified as Mummy Mercy said, “We pay to stay on the roadside. Even the hawkers pay money daily. Some of them pay N500 daily while some of them pay N200 daily. There is nothing free in Lagos. We traders that stay close to the rail tracks pay N400 daily.”
When contacted, the Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Gboyega Akosile, said “Every working person must pay tax, whether petty trading or big stores.”
