complaints of multiple taxation – The Trumpet Newspaper Nigeria

The Cross River State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of the sale of tickets and collection of levies imposed on inter-city transport operators across the state, following rising complaints of multiple taxation and extortion within the transport sector.

Key Highlights

• Cross River suspends all transport ticket sales and levies
• Move follows complaints of multiple taxation and extortion
• Inter-city drivers accuse agents of harassment and illegal charges
• Government directs full compliance from agencies and security operatives
• Stakeholder meeting to be convened for long-term transport reforms

The directive was announced after a meeting between state officials and leaders of the Inter-City Drivers Association, where operators raised concerns over excessive ticketing, unlawful charges, and alleged harassment by some government agents and security personnel.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Linus Obogo, Governor Bassey Edet Otu approved the suspension with immediate effect.

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“His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State, has approved the immediate suspension of the sale of tickets, collection of levies, and all related charges imposed on inter-city transport operators by government agents and security operatives across the state,” the statement read.

The government directed all relevant agencies and security personnel to comply fully with the order, adding that a stakeholders’ meeting would be convened to develop a more structured and sustainable framework for the transport sector.

According to the statement, the decision is part of efforts to ease pressure on transport operators and improve the ease of doing business in Cross River State.

The development follows a recent industrial action by drivers who protested against multiple taxation, extortion, and harassment allegedly carried out by some government agents and security operatives.