The Association of Table Water Producers in Kogi has said that over 36 table water factories in Lokoja, have run out of business due to alleged multiple taxation from the state and federal revenue agencies.
The Association, in a statement signed by its state Chairman and Secretary, Mr. Moses Momoh and Sadiq Uteno, on Sunday sounded the alarm about the alarming rate of factory closures due to excessive and multiple taxation by state and federal revenue agencies.
“As of today, over 36 table water factories in Lokoja (Kogi) alone have been forced to shut down, resulting in significant job losses and economic hardship for our members.
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“Our members are subjected to a plethora of taxes and levies, which includes Signage fees, Haulage charges, Environmental levies, NASDRA certification documentation fees (N70,000) per factory and SON fees (N8,400) also per factory.
“For emblems, we are charged 17,500 naira per vehicle, branding 15,000 per vehicle haulage while 1,000 is being charged daily per vehicle”.
The statement stressed that the cumulative effect of these taxes has led to a significant increase in production costs, making it impossible for many of its members to remain in business.
“For instance, the cost of a bag of pure water has skyrocketed from N150 to N400 due to these taxes.”
According to the statement, the association has written several letters to the Kogi State Governor, Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo appealing for relief and waivers on some of these taxes.
“We urge the government to take immediate action to address this issue and provide a conducive business environment for our industry to thrive.
“We equally appeal to the government to Review and rationalise the taxes and levies imposed on our industry, Provide relief and waivers to help our members recover from the devastating impact of multiple taxation and also Create a favorable business environment that promotes economic growth and job creation.”
The association that commended the governor for his people-oriented administration, expressed confidence that their plea would be favorably attended to by the government.
“Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is a listening governor who is more compassionate to the well-being of the people,” the statement read in part.
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