Mixed reactions trail proposed N100 tax for tricycle riders
Tricycle operators in Kano state have expressed mixed reactions to the proposal by the state government to impose a N100 tax on each of them in a bid to boost the state internal revenue generation.
Some of the tricycle riders, who spoke to our reporters, described the proposed tax as exorbitant and urged the government to rescind the idea.
Kabiru Shehu Dahiru, a tricycle rider, argued that the policy would not bring any achievement but rather would put undue pressure on the tricycle operators most of whom are youths fending for themselves.
He said the tax initiative was disincentive and would encourage idleness which in the end would lure many to resort to criminal tendencies.
“From my view, no achievements or anything good the government is willing to create from this tax they want to impose on us. I have been into Napep business for the past ten years but I have gained nothing from the government,” he said.
He further opined that the government should do the needful by suspending the proposal if at all they want to protect the interest of the people.
Similarly, Mallam Muktar, another tricycle operator, said considering the economic situation of the country, the new tax policy had no benefit to the society and would make their business less profitable.
“I see no advantage which this tax policy will bring to our society apart from unnecessary pressure to the tricycle riders,” he said.
In contrast, Mallam Usman Hashim described the policy as a welcomed development.
He said if implemented approriately, the policy would boost the internally generated revenue of the state.
“It is only hope that the revenue will be used in providing developmental projects across the state. The government should also provide a room whereby the tax they will collect from us will be used to improve our business because we have a lot of expectations from the government,” Hashim said.