Cashew farmers and buyers in Kogi State, under the aegis of Farmers Forum of Nigeria, have expressed dissatisfaction over excessive taxation, including a plan to increase produce payment from ₦30,000 to ₦90,000.
In a statement signed by the spokesperson, Ibrahim Adam, the forum called upon Governor Usman Ododo to intervene and alleviate the burden of multiple taxes imposed by the state government, noting its potential to tarnish the state’s reputation.
“The Produce Inspection Department (PID) in Kogi State charges the highest inspection fee in the country at ₦30,000 per truck, while other states such as Kano, Gombe, and Katsina charge significantly lower fees,” the statement read.
Adam urged the government to address the issue promptly, warning that additional taxes on cashew products could hinder business operations, deter foreign investment, and exacerbate the plight of farmers.
He stressed the importance of fostering an enabling environment for business and urged Governor Usman Ododo’s administration to reconsider its taxation policies for sustainable economic growth.
The forum also appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the Ministry of Agriculture to address multiple taxation, explaining its adverse effect on their livelihoods.
“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other federal government agencies, such as the Ministry of Agriculture, to intervene and urge the state government to cease these levies, as they are causing undue hardship to the people, the majority of whom are cashew farmers and traders.”