Niger State Environmental Protection Agency Responds to False Tax Allegations Against Petty Traders.
By Yahaya Zakka Minna.
In a recent press briefing, Dr. Abubakar Muhammad, the General Manager of the Niger State Environmental Protection Agency (NSEPA), addressed and refuted allegations made by the Sahara Reporters online newspaper. The report claimed that the agency was imposing a tax of 100,800 hundred thousand Naira on petty traders across the state.
Dr. Abubakar clarified that the information presented in the media was completely untrue. He stated that the agency has an established system of categorizing businesses and defining levies that have not been arbitrarily created but rather exist as part of a historical framework.
The General Manager emphasized that the agency is dedicated to an automated billing system aimed at ensuring accurate billing for businesses captured properly, but notably, this does not apply to petty traders.
The NSEPA has introduced a “pay-as-you-throw” initiative specifically designed to support petty traders. Launched on October 10, 2024, this program allows owners of small businesses to purchase a litter bag for only 150 Naira.
Petty traders are encouraged to responsibly dispose of waste generated from their businesses using these bags, which will be collected by designated evacuation vans.
Dr. Abubakar highlighted that compliance with the pay-as-you-throw system is essential. Businesses not adhering to this may be incorrectly classified under the automated system, leading to inaccurate billing.
However, he assured the public that if someone receives a bill of 100 or 800 hundred thousand Naira as a petty trader, He invited such individuals to scan their billing barcodes, revealing that the correct amount owed would actually appear range from 25,200 Naira per annum and not 100,800 hundred thousand Naira as claimed by the Sahara reporters.
The General Manager strongly criticized the spreading of misinformation, calling for responsible reporting that reflects the agency’s ongoing efforts to improve waste management and infrastructure in Niger State.
He reassured citizens that the agency is committed to maintaining transparency and fairness while encouraging compliance and responsible waste disposal among all businesses in the state.
