BENIN CITY – The Edo State Government has condemned the prevalence of multiple taxation in markets across the state and called for a more transparent tax administration to protect traders and reduce the rising cost of goods.
Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesiri Okpebholo Anani, stated this during a meeting with the Edo Chapter of the Market Traders Association of Nigeria (MATAN) at Government House, Benin City.
She warned that multiple taxation was detrimental to the economy, as it forced traders, particularly women to inflate prices.
“In the market space, we must bring regularity and ensure equality. Double taxation is unacceptable because it leads to extremely high prices. We must promote fairness as not everyone can afford to pay more. Let us bring sanity to the system,” Mrs. Anani declared.
She urged MATAN to champion integrity and good governance, stressing that traders’ voices are powerful in shaping policy.
Responding, Edo MATAN Chairperson, Deaconess Marina Osaghae, commended Mrs. Anani’s commitment to women and youth empowerment.
She highlighted MATAN’s initiatives, including an MoU with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Joint Tax Board on VAT compliance, the VAT Direct Initiative with Burke-Frazier, and the rollout of the Traders Multipurpose Identity Card to strengthen tax and identity systems.
Osaghae said these reforms were aimed at boosting government revenue, improving security, and enhancing the welfare of traders nationwide.
