Nigerian traders, under the auspices of Market Traders Association of Nigeria (MATAN) have disclosed that multiple taxation by government will lead to more inflation across the country.
The traders, who spoke on Thursday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, added that multiple taxation by the government would lead to increase in price of goods and services.
The traders made these declarations during the flagg-off of the benefit scheme enrollment for traders, held at the Lekan Salami stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
Some of the those who spoke at the event included National President of the association, Hon. Jamilu Abbas, MATAN Chairman in Oyo State, Princess Folasade Nurudeen, Chairman, Project Committee of the scheme, Amb Olakunle Johnson and MATAN Boad of Trustee, Hon. Muhammad Labaran.
They explained that multiple taxation would affect many families negatively.
Abbas, while speaking, explained that the programme was organised in order to address the menace of multiple taxation imposed on traders by the government.
He lamented that market men and women in Nigeria are facing a lot of crisis in term of multiple taxation.
He added that many of the traders are finding it difficult to survive, insisting that the federal government should address the issue of multiple taxation.
Abbas said, “We are here to tell the Federal Government to help us address the issue of multiple taxation and insecurities. And we want Nigerians to know that we don’t have any political affiliation with any individual or political party. We are doing our business as market men and women in the country.
“We are here to inaugurate State chapters of the association in South West for the benefits of the traders because without traders, there is no nation”.
Nurudeen, in her address promised to run an inclusive government.
On his part, Johnson noted that federal government is loosing over N31 trillion to illegal tax collectors who are extorting Nigerian traders.
He said traders pay a lot of money before their good could get to its destination, adding that increase in dollar against naira is also another problem for the traders.
