By Barr. Peter Obiora Aja
Aninri, Enugu State
There is a dangerous temptation in public discourse to weaponise half-truths. In Enugu State today, the allegation of “excessive taxation” has become one such weapon, wielded not always in pursuit of truth, but often in service of political convenience.
Having lived in Enugu for decades, and as one who has closely observed the evolution of its fiscal environment, I consider it both a duty and a moral obligation to set the record straight. What we are witnessing today is not over-taxation. What we are witnessing is the end of impunity.
WHEN TAXATION BECAME EXTORTION
Before the reforms of the administration of Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, what existed in Enugu State under the guise of revenue collection was nothing short of organised exploitation.
In places like Holy Ghost Market and its surroundings, individuals formed cartels, assuming powers they never lawfully possessed. With reflective jackets and pseudo-authority, they mounted illegal collection points.
Barrow pushers, hawkers, petty traders, commercial buses, private cars, interstate transporters, and even passing trucks were forced to pay arbitrary levies.
Across markets, highways, motor parks, residential areas, and even rural produce routes, a disturbing pattern emerged Enugu became a theatre where anyone with a reflective jacket could impose illegal taxes.
Even more troubling was the involvement of some uniformed personnel and officials of regulatory agencies who, in some instances, participated in this system of impunity.
This was not taxation. It was daylight robbery disguised as revenue collection.
Over 95 percent of these funds never reached government coffers. Citizens received no receipts, no records, and no recourse.
THE MBAH INTERVENTION: A BREAK WITH THE PAST
The emergence of Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah marked a decisive departure from disorder. His administration’s guiding philosophy is simple: taxation must be lawful, transparent, humane, and economically sensible.
KEY REFORMS THAT RESTORED SANITY
1. Abolition of Arbitrary Levies
The scrapping of exploitative levies such as illegal market charges and multiple produce taxes has liberated traders and farmers, reducing costs and boosting productivity.
2. Elimination of Multiple Taxation
The government harmonised taxes, shut down illegal checkpoints, and criminalised unauthorised revenue collection activities.
3. Centralised and Transparent Revenue System
All tax payments are now:
Structured
Traceable
Auditable
Taxpayers can now ask, “Where is my money going?” and receive clear answers.
4. Protection of Vulnerable Citizens
Petty traders, hawkers, and low-income earners are now protected from arbitrary collections and engaged only through lawful, minimal levies where applicable.
5. Complaint and Redress Mechanisms
Citizens can now report illegal taxation and challenge unfair assessments, ensuring government remains accountable to the people.
THE POLITICS OF MISINFORMATION
Those most vocal about “over-taxation” are often beneficiaries of the old disorder individuals who thrived under a system of opacity and exploitation.
The reforms have blocked illicit income streams, dismantled entrenched interests, and restored accountability. What they call over-taxation is, in reality, the loss of illegal privilege.
VISIBLE DIVIDENDS OF TAX REFORM
The impact of reform is visible across Enugu State:
Improved infrastructure
Better urban order
Easier business environment
Increased investor confidence
Taxation is no longer abstract—it is now visible in governance outcomes.
CONCLUSION: CHOOSING TRUTH OVER PROPAGANDA
It is important to distinguish between constructive criticism and deliberate misinformation.
The reforms in Enugu State have:
Replaced chaos with order
Replaced extortion with legality
Replaced opacity with transparency
Enugu State is not being overtaxed.
Enugu State is being governed.