Illegal Levies: Alli Accuses Makinde Of Failing To Protect Oyo Farmers, Traders
The Oyo State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has accused Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration of failing to protect farmers, traders and business owners from alleged illegal taxation and extortion across the state.
Alli expressed concern over the state government’s alleged failure to domesticate the Tax Harmonisation Law, saying the delay has allowed unauthorised revenue collectors to continue imposing multiple levies on people transporting goods and farm produce.
In a statement, the APC candidate alleged that individuals posing as revenue agents had mounted roadblocks across the state, harassing and extorting farmers conveying produce from Oyo North to Ibadan.
He also claimed that business owners transporting goods from Ibadan to other parts of the state were subjected to multiple collections at different checkpoints.
According to him, the practice increases the cost of basic commodities while reducing the already narrow profit margins of farmers and small-scale business owners.
Alli argued that domesticating the Tax Harmonisation Law would help eliminate arbitrary and unauthorised collections, harmonise taxes across state and local government areas, and curb the activities of illegal tax collectors.
He faulted the Makinde administration for what he described as a lack of serious commitment to passing the legislation, noting that several other states had already enacted the law or were making efforts to complete the process.
The APC candidate maintained that residents and businesses in Oyo State deserved a tax system that encourages economic activities rather than imposes additional burdens on hardworking citizens.
He consequently promised that if elected governor in 2027, his administration would ensure the passage of the Tax Harmonisation Law within its first 100 days in office.
Alli said the proposed reform would protect farmers, transporters and business owners, while promoting economic growth and prosperity across the state.
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