Buhari Vows To End Illegal Tax Collections

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Friday, pledged that the federal government will curb illegal tax collections.

He made the pledge while receiving the leadership of the Amalgamated Union of Foodstuff and Cattle Dealers Association of Nigeria (AUFCDN), led by Ali Tahir.

The association had petitioned Buhari on the need for the federal government to rein in on the unhealthy practice of illegal tax collections.

In his response, Buhari told them his administration had genuine intentions to eliminate illegal taxes in the country.

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.”

He said the association is very important and strategic to the nation’s economy. “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 said.

He said his administration would continue to do its best to assist 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, President Buhari welcomed the associations’ support for his administration.