Yam farmers, marketers kick against unlawful, multiple taxation

Onome Amuge

The National Association of Yam Farmers, Processors and Marketers has registered its displeasure over cases of illegal levies and numerous taxation imposed on members, notably in major markets of Benue State.

The association lamented that the situation has led to a decrease in the number of businessmen and potential dealers in the middle belt state renowned as the food basket of the nation.

Simon Irtwange, national president of the association, while commenting on the development shortly after the inauguration of a new leadership for the Benue State chapter of the association in Makurdi, said the association has offered to collaborate with the Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), to contain the unfavourable trend.

Irtwange noted that one of the reasons for the imposition of multiple levies is that some of the markets were named after individuals and the children of these individuals feel a sense of entitlement to collecting levies from yam dealers in their localities. He added that members of the association have for a long time been forced to comply with some of the levies for the purpose of peace and permission to operate without disruptions.

Dominic Dekera, the newly installed state chairman of the association, pledged an urgent resolution to the multiple taxation worries of the members. He also assured that his four year tenure would facilitate an expanded collaboration with the state government to boost yam production in the state and also, help improve the livelihood of its members and other yam investors.

Other inaugurated leaders of the state association include; Emmanuel Otokpa, vice chairman; Comfort Ngoy, general secretary; Akume Terna, assistant general secretary; Ekirigwe Onah, financial secretary; Haruna Bawa, auditor; Abellega Terseer, treasurer;Bem Agbose, organising secretary and Bridget Yough, public secretary.