By Correspondent in Lokoja.
(C) ResearchGate.
At least 36 table water factories in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, have shut down operations, throwing hundreds out of work, due to what operators described as unbearable multiple taxation by state and federal revenue agencies.
This alarming development was disclosed by the Association of Table Water Producers (ATWAP), Kogi State chapter, in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Mr. Moses Momoh, and Secretary, Mr. Sadiq Uteno.
“As of today, over 36 table water factories in Lokoja alone have been forced to close shop, resulting in massive job losses and untold economic hardship for our members,” the statement read.
The association blamed the shutdowns on a string of levies and taxes imposed on members by various government agencies. These include:
Signage fees
Daily haulage charges of N1,000 per vehicle
Environmental levies
NASDRA certification documentation fees of N70,000 per factory
Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) fees of N8,400 per factory
Vehicle emblem charges of N17,500 per vehicle
Branding fees of N15,000 per vehicle
“The cumulative burden of these taxes has drastically increased the cost of production, making it nearly impossible for many of our members to stay afloat,” the statement added.
As a result, the price of a bag of sachet (pure) water has surged from N150 to N400, worsening the hardship for consumers and threatening public access to clean drinking water.
The association said it had made repeated appeals to the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for intervention and relief.
“We urge the government to take swift and decisive action by reviewing and rationalizing the taxes and levies imposed on our industry,” the statement read.
“We also appeal for immediate waivers and relief packages to help our members recover from the harsh economic impact.”
Despite their grievances, the association praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his people-oriented approach to governance and expressed hope that their appeal would receive a positive response.
“Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is a listening leader who has shown deep compassion for the well-being of Kogi residents. We are confident that he will come to our aid,” the association said.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
