Abia talks about ‘Akara tax demand’

The Abia State Government has dismissed reports that akara sellers and other small traders in the state are being forced to pay ₦50,000 as taxes, describing the claim as misinformation.

The government also announced the designation of some historical and natural sites as State Monuments and State Natural Monuments, declaring Aba a creative and innovative city.

Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu said there was no new increase in tax rates by the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue, stressing that most of the rates released were contained in tax laws enacted in 2020 under the previous administration.

No ₦50,000 fee for Akara sellers

Addressing the specific claim that akara sellers were forced to pay ₦50,000, Kanu described it as “pure fallacy,” insisting that akara sellers do not pay taxes or duties but daily tolls.

“Akara vendors do not pay any taxes or duties. They pay daily tolls. And no one can pay N50,000,” he said.

The Chairman of the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue, Uche Elekwachi, confirmed the clarification, saying there was no revenue window under the state’s tax laws that would require akara sellers to pay such an amount.

Elekwachi explained that the Abia Law on Internally Generated Revenue Service which establishes the applicable framework was enacted in 2020, before the current administration took office.

“This whole thing has always existed. The Abia Law on Internally Generated Revenue Service was enacted in 2020 long before this government came on board, so we need to make this clarification,” he said.

Kanu also explained that the demand notices issued by the Board of Internal Revenue were required by law, urging taxpayers to comply with relevant tax provisions while assuring that legitimate concerns would be addressed by relevant officials.

Abia approves heritage sites

Kanu disclosed that the State Executive Council had approved the National War Museum, Ojukwu bunker and Government College, all in Umuahia, as state monuments.

Ibom Waterfall in Arochukwu and Ulochukwu Cave in Alayi, Bende Local Government Area have also been designated State Natural Monuments.

According to Kanu, the designations would strengthen efforts to preserve Abia’s cultural and natural heritage, promote tourism and create new economic opportunities.

“These sites have been elevated to cultural heritage sites that enhance the tourism potential of the state. With this approval, they are poised to attract recognition as UNESCO heritage sites,” he said.

The commissioner said the upgrade of the Ojukwu Bunker and the National War Museum has reached about 80% completion and is expected to be finished by the end of 2026.

He said the projects will improve the conservation of the sites, improve the visitor experience and strengthen their tourism potential.

Kanu also disclosed that the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy has received approval to develop the Ibom Falls Tourism Corridor in Arochukwu.

He said work has begun, including the fixing of access roads to the waterfall, with completion expected by the end of the year.

The commissioner added that the state government has begun erecting monuments at strategic locations to preserve the heritage of Abia, honor its heroes and heroines and promote the cultural identity of the state.

He cited a monument dedicated to the heroines of the 1929 Aba Women’s Uprising as one such initiative, saying it would celebrate their courage, resilience, resistance and leadership.

Pensioners wait for the next tip

Regarding tips owed to retired workers, Kanu revealed that the government has completed payments covering the period 2001-2010 and is preparing for the next batch covering the period 2011-2025.

It said the next payments will begin after the completion of the ongoing internal audit and other necessary processes.

The commissioner rejected claims that the government only started paying tips due to pressure from the opposition, explaining that the huge financial commitment involved made it necessary to pay in batches.

“The payments will be batches. The funds involved are huge for a bulk payment,” he said.

Kanu also clarified reports that gratuity payments would only continue until 2031, explaining that such reports were incorrect.

He said the State Committee on Tipping has recommended the inclusion of tipping provisions in the State Medium-Term Expenditure Framework 2026-2031 and subsequent annual budgets to ensure that tipping obligations are systematically provided for and prevent the accumulation of new arrears.

“This does not mean that payments will end in 2031. As internal processes and verification of beneficiaries of these payments continue, due payments would still be made in batches,” he said.

Kanu added that the government remains committed to settling outstanding liabilities and expressed optimism that the process could be completed sooner than expected.

“The finalization of outstanding tip payments may come sooner than we ever imagined. So let’s wait and see how the next round of payments unfolds,” he said.

Also present at the briefing were the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Matthew Ekwuribe, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Internally Generated Revenue, Emmanuel Okpechi.