ABIA GOVERNMENT DENIES TAX INCREMENT: GIVES SUCCOUR TO SOUTH AFRICAN RETURNEES

The Abia State Government says it never increased its taxation but only introduced tax consolidation methods aimed at improving good governance in the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this to Newsmen at the government house Umuahia during this week’s post-Executive Council briefing in Umuahia.

He explained that the previous system allowed for manual interventions, cash handling, arbitrary practices and poor accountability but under the new system being driven by the State Board of Internal Revenue, taxpayers will know “exactly what they are being assessed to pay, why they were being assessed, and how much they are required to pay through government-approved channels.”

On social protection, Prince Kanu announced that Governor Otti has approved N1 million each for 31 verified Abia returnees from South Africa as an interim support measure to assist them in resettling.

The Commissioner said that the state government is also conducting a comprehensive profiling exercise to determine the specific needs of the returnees and develop appropriate programmes for their integration.

He added that the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection has been directed by the Governor to investigate whether other Abians are stranded in South Africa.

Contributing, the Chairman of the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue, Mr Uche Elekwachi, clarified that the ongoing reforms in the state’s tax system are not new but were aimed at blocking taxes leakages and ensuring proper assessment.

Mr Elekwachi said the Board does not have powers to increase or reduce taxes, and that no new rates have been introduced since he assumed office on June 1, 2026.

On Tax Clearance Certificate, the BIR Chairman said there has been no increment but explained that the new tax law requires proper assessment before TCC is issued unlike the flat rate of #30,000 many people paid annuall for TCC.

On concerns by traders in Aba and Umuahia, Mr Elekwachi said the government has introduced a harmonized demand notice that consolidates ASEPA, business premises, signage and stallage fees into a single payment per shop.