Buhari vows to end illegal tax collections

President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to end the collection of illegal taxes in the country.

The President made the vow on Friday in Abuja, pledging that the Federal Government would look into the issue of illegal tax collections to encourage more private sector businesses to thrive in the country.

The president made the pledge in response to a request made by the Amalgamated Union of Foodstuff and Cattle Dealers Association of Nigeria led by Alhaji Ali Tahir, when a delegation of the association visited him.

According to President Buhari, his administration had genuine intentions to eliminate illegal taxes in the country, despite the fact that ‘‘old habits die hard.’’

He said: ‘‘I am appalled to learn that these illegal tax collections still persist. Bad habits are not easily dropped.

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‘‘But let me assure you that relevant security agencies will be reminded of their duties in preventing these bad practices and safeguarding people like you who go about their legitimate businesses.

‘‘I will take up all your appeals and complaints in due course and together with State Governments, we will attend to your proposals.’’

The President futher emphasised the important role the association plays in the nation’s economy, saying ‘‘The merchandise and products you trade in are basic to any economy.

“The real wealth of this country lies in agriculture and livestock rearing.’’

He, therefore, pledged the administration’s continuous assistance to the sector, noting that some of the more advanced countries like Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and Denmark built their economies primarily on agriculture and livestock trade.

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