I’ll end illegal tax collections – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday in Abuja pledged 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 when he received the leadership of
the Amalgamated Union of Foodstuff and Cattle Dealers Association
of Nigeria (AUFCDN) led by Alhaji Ali Tahir.

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

The President was responding to a request by the association on
the need for the Federal Government to rein in on the unhealthy
practice of illegal tax collections.

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

‘‘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.’’

While describing the association as very important and strategic
to the nation’s economy, the President said: ‘‘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 that 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.

On the 2019 elections, Buhari welcomed the associations’ support
for his administration, recalling that they also demonstrated their
solidarity for his candidacy in the build-up to the 2015
elections.

In his remarks, the General Secretary of the Union, Alhaji Ahmed
Alaramma, declared that they would work for the re-election of
Buhari because the administration has taken the country back to the
path of sustainable growth.

Alaramma appealed to the President to ensure that the “union is
represented on the national campaign teams for the Buhari/Osinbajo
re-election movement to enable it play the campaign role
effectively’’.

On the issue of illegal tax collections, he said: ‘‘Roadblocks
are mounted by unknown persons on several highways including those
in Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, Abia, Enugu,
Anambra, Imo and Bayelsa States and these continue to constitute a
hindrance to our businesses.’’

While commending the Buhari administration for the progress of
work on the Lagos-Ibadan rail project, the group urged the Federal
Government to establish a food and livestock market with close
proximity to road and rail around Lagos-Ogun State expressway.