The Heavy Duty and Haulage Transport Association of Nigeria (HDHTAN), Abia State chapter, has urged the state Board of Internal Revenue to fully comply with federal government directives, which require that tax collectors be kept off federal roads and only operate at designated loading and offloading points.
The association remarked, “The federal government has issued a directive to all 36 states and 774 local governments across Nigeria to ensure the smooth flow of heavy-duty trucks by eliminating illegal tax collection.”
It pointed out that the state’s failure to comply with this directive has led to the imposition of unnecessary levies and extortions amounting to hundreds of millions of naira from its members by illegal revenue agents, who fail to remit these funds to the Abia State government.
Addressing journalists in Lokoja over the weekend, the group called on all states and local governments to ease the burden of double taxation and unauthorized levies caused by illegal roadblocks on highways, as this is negatively affecting their core operations. The association also reiterated that it operates within the legal framework of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Mr. Akim Nwakodo, the Public Relations Officer of the Heavy Duty and Haulage Transport Association of Nigeria, explained that the association is officially registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, works closely with the presidency, and maintains ties with the Nigerian Police Force and other federal agencies.
As a member of the Presidential Committee on Economic Sabotage, the association is now seeking cooperation and strict enforcement from all states and local governments across the country.
“Our responsibility is to monitor the movement of our trucks on federal highways through biodata collection and coordination with security agencies, as outlined in our Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Federal Government’s Joint Tax Board (JTB),” he added.
Nwakodo further explained that the association’s members have received training from the Federal Road Safety Commission and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). The group’s primary objectives are to reduce reckless driving that causes accidents, prevent the diversion of goods or trucks, curb overloading, and ensure that vehicles are not driven with faulty tires.
He also noted that the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) had previously directed the Inspector General of Police (IG) to investigate allegations of illegal tax collection and take action against those responsible, as stated in a letter signed by the Permanent Secretary of the SGF’s office.
For professional advice on Accountancy, Transfer Pricing, Tax, Assurance, Outsourcing, online accounting support, Company Registration, and CAC matters, please contact Inner Konsult Ltd www.innerkonsult.com at Lagos, Ogun state Nigeria offices.
You can also reach us via WhatsApp at +2348038460036.
