Ogun harmonizes tolls, levies and others after protests

Following persistent agitations by the organized private sector, including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the Nigeria Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), multiple tolls and levies by the Ogun state government, respite came on Thursday, with the harmonization of tolls and levies payable by trucks, trailers and heavy duty vehicles that transport raw materials and finished goods within and outside the state.

The State Commissioner for Finance, Adewale Osinowo who made this disclosure also hinted that various tolls and levies which manufacturers and transporters operating in the state, pay to different government ministries which include Ministries of Commerce and Industry, Environment, Forestry and Agriculture on produce, logs and timbers, raw materials, finished goods and industrial wastes have been adjusted.

With this development, the Commissioner explained, “the State government now approves and issues customized stickers to manufacturers and transporters to fight against multiple toll collection points and curb illegal and indiscriminate activities of touts who swindle manufacturers and transporters in the name of toll collection and other levies, thereby stimulating the economy”.

Oshinowo further explained that “the cumbersome nature of the existing payment methods where payers would pay each Ministry separately at numerous toll points was unconventional and not helping business to thrive. The new toll regime will have designated points across the 57 Local Governments (LGs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) of the State.