In Anambra State, tricycle operators, popularly known as Keke Napep riders, have petitioned the State House of Assembly over alleged multiple levies imposed on them, despite a directive from Governor Chukwuma Soludo on approved charges.
During a session at the Legislative Complex in Awka, the Chairman of the Tricycle Riders Association, Chidozie Okafor, told the House Committee on Public Petition that the operators pay up to N2,400 daily to individuals claiming to be government agents, in addition to the officially approved N2,000 weekly levy.
Secretary of the association, Johnson Eze, lamented that efforts to report the activities of the alleged extortionists to the state’s Anti-Tout Agency have been ineffective, as offenders return to the streets within a day. The riders are now seeking legislative intervention to curb the illegal taxation and ensure their protection.
A representative of the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service, who appeared before the committee, denied any official approval of the additional levies. Similarly, Commissioner for Transport, Mrs. Patricia Igwebuike, stated that she was unaware of the multiple charges but could not explain why the issue had persisted despite numerous complaints from the riders.
The House Committee Chairman, Obi Nweke, observed that receipts tendered by the riders bore the name of the Anambra State Government but were issued under different local government authorities. The committee has now adjourned proceedings to summon the affected local government chairmen for further clarifications.
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