By Femi Bolaji
The Presidential Taskforce against economic sabotage and multiple taxation has commenced the demolition of illegal roadblocks set up for multiple taxation on federal highways across Taraba State.
State team lead, Mafindi Danburam, speaking to newsmen on Wednesday, said their operation began in the northern senatorial district of the state and would extend to other zones.
He explained that their mission was to ensure that highway commuters and haulage drivers of goods and services are free from intimidation by those mounting roadblocks on federal highways as tax collectors.
Danburam disclosed that there have been complaints about federal highways in Taraba being notorious for multiple taxation, which has led some commuters of food items and cattle to avoid these routes.
He said their work, now supported by security agencies across the state, would ensure that those plying federal routes across the state are free from intimidation by merchants of multiple taxes.
According to him, “we are not revenue collectors; our job on the highway is to monitor and ensure that heavy-duty vehicles conveying goods are not taxed illegally.
“Taxes on goods and other items are only permissible at the point of loading and offloading.
“We have written to the state government and we are also willing to collaborate with the state internal revenue service to ensure the right thing is done.”
He also warned that anyone found reinstating such multiple tax roadblocks on federal highways would be prosecuted.
